Jessie Duarte’s brother dies from COVID-19 complications

The African National Congress’ (ANC) deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, Igshaan Dangor has died.

Dangor, who himself was a member of the ANC and former Umkhonto we Sizwe soldier, died on Sunday, 4 October 2020, from complications related to COVID-19.

He was age 72 and was laid to rest on the same day.

“Go well Mkhonto. It’s with sadness that we announce that our brother Igshaan Dangor passed away due to Covid complications. Shaan was a soldier of MK and served in the SANDF. He will be buried later today in accordance with Covid restrictions. Shaan is mourned by all of us and especially by his wife Denise and his daughters Charne and Shoneez,” his brother Zane Dangor said in a short Facebook post.

ANC expresses condolences

The ANC has paid tribute to Dangor, saying he served the movement with selfless and relentless dedication.

He went into exile in 1984 to join the MKMVA and then became part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), at the end of the apartheid era in 1994.

“It is with great sadness that the African National Congress learned today of the passing of Igshaan Dangor, who is also the brother to Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte,” said ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe.

“Igshaan Dangor returned from exile in 1990 after the unbanning of the ANC and immediately joined the ANC Riverlea branch assisting in strengthening and building ANC structures throughout Gauteng.”

The ruling party has expressed condolences to Dangor’s family.

“Igshaan Dangor’s contribution to the liberation struggle as well as the reconstruction and development of our country will remain indelible in the memories of all freedom-loving people of South Africa,” Mabe added.

“We hope they will find strength and comfort in the knowledge that the entire country shares in their grief”

The Minister of Defence and military veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has also paid tribute to Dangor.

“He served the department of defence (DoD) in a very distinguished manner and will be sadly missed by his colleagues, especially by the finance division,” the minister said.

The tragedy comes just a month after the death of another brother – Achmat Dangor, who passed away.

“The ANC dips its banner to this revolutionary… In Achmat Dangor, the country has lost an important voice, but we can take comfort that his light will keep shining through his books and other writings,” the party said of his death.