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2 months ago
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Gender activist and researcher Dr Reneè Thompson died a week after achieving her lifelong dream of earning a PhD.
- Dr Reneè Thompson, a gender activist and researcher, died a week after achieving her lifelong dream of earning a PhD.
- Her research focused on the legislative process in South Africa and was a champion for the dignity and equality of rural women.
- The ANC in the Western Cape and her family honoured her legacy of activism, intellect, and service.
A week after she fulfilled her lifelong dream of obtaining a PhD, activist and researcher Dr Reneè Thompson died.
“It is with profound sorrow that our family shares the devastating news of the passing of our beloved sister, Dr Reneè Thompson,” family spokesperson Desmond Stevens said in a statement on Monday evening.
“Reneè was a treasured sister, aunt, and godmother to her nieces and nephew and had just fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her PhD. Tragically, her passing comes only a week after her graduation.”
Her research topic was “The legislative process of the South African Parliament and Portfolio Committees”.
“Reneè leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy rooted in activism, business, and academia. She was a committed gender activist who believed fiercely in dignity and equality for all, especially rural women,” said Stevens.
Thompson, apart from being a researcher and having had several positions with the ANC caucus in Parliament and having served as a parliamentary liaison officer for two ministers, also started the NGO Susters4Life.
Stevens said:
Her public courage was rooted in a private tenderness and an enduring devotion to her family. We are profoundly grateful for the love, messages, and solidarity we have received during this painful time.
“We kindly ask for privacy and space as we grieve and honour Reneè’s life and memory.”
ANC Western Cape spokesperson Sfiso Msweni stated in a press release that Thompson’s death had deeply saddened the ANC in the province.
“The ANC wishes to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Thompson family, friends, comrades and all the people of the Western Cape who were touched by Dr Thompson’s life and work.
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“Dr Thompson was a lifelong activist who served the movement and the country with dignity. She was a committed gender activist and a leader who consistently walked the walk in advancing the cause of equality, justice and human dignity. Her contribution to society, particularly her commitment to gender justice and the empowerment of women, will remain an enduring part of her legacy.
“The ANC Western Cape salutes her courage, intellect and principled activism, and joins the family in honouring a life lived in service of others. We respect the family’s request for privacy during this period of mourning and stand in solidarity with them as they grieve this immeasurable loss.”
