JOHANNESBURG - A revolutionary activist who fought for freedom, justice and equality.
This is how the governing party has described its late comrade Frene Ginwala.
The liberation veteran passed away at her home on Thursday.
A private cremation will take place on Saturday.
Ginwala was the very first Speaker of South Africa's democratic Parliament under Nelson Mandela’s presidency.
During the fight for liberation, Ginwala worked underground and later went into exile.
Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo said Ginwala was a "torchbearer" of the post-apartheid Parliament who was instrumental in the formation of South Africa's democracy.
"Dr Ginwala exposed to the international community the crimes of the discredited, oppressive regime in South Africa through her sharp journalistic pen," Mothapo said.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation described her as a "stalwart of struggle" and offered condolences to family and friends.
"Madiba had the greatest respect for her," said the Foundation's chief executive, Sello Hatang.
- Additional reporting AFP