In a letter read during the memorial service of the late ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson, her two children, Austin and Terrence Pettersson, indicated that they will forever carry the lessons she taught them.
IN A LETTER read during the memorial service of the late ANC Member of Parliament Tina Joemat-Pettersson, her two children, Austin and Terrence Pettersson, indicated that they will forever carry the lessons she taught them.
The letter was read by a family member of Joemat-Pettersson, Fabian Borman, in the absence of the two children who did not attend the service held at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley yesterday.
The Pettersson children stated that their late mother always found a perfect balance between her career and being a parent.
“Mamma assumed the role of both mother and father after the passing of our Papa. Mamma was our best friend. We could share anything with her and we will never forget the advice and lessons she taught us. Her wisdom and courage will forever guide the decisions we make for the rest of our lives. Mamma, your room is empty, but our hearts are full knowing that you are with Papa and the Lord, your Maker, looking down on us,” the letter read.
The children also expressed gratitude to the ANC and everyone who sent them messages of support.
“Mamma devoted her life to the ANC, in the fight for freedom and liberation of this beloved country. She also played an active role in the liberation of women. Despite her achievements, she remained a humble and selfless leader who was always willing to go the extra mile, expecting nothing in return.
“Moreover, she never hesitated to reprimand anyone who stepped out of line. Mamma was magical when she walked into a room and no one can forget her smile and laugh. We would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and condolences.”
Joemat-Pettersson’s brother, Andre Joemat, remembered his sister as a bright and teary youngster.
“Tina cried a lot as a child and those who knew her well will know she carried that trait even as an adult. She was naturally bright. I am her only brother. As siblings we would study for hours, but not Tina. She had the ability to sit with a book for less than an hour and go write a test and produce exceptional results.
“There were intense personal debates in our house. It was through those debates and her exceptional intellectual mind that she led the various portfolios she occupied in the organisation,” Joemat smiled.
He said that even though his sister transformed into a well-dressed lady later, inside she always remained the leader with dreadlocks and tekkies.
“Tina was later characterised as stylish. That was not the case in her early years. She wore tekkies. We were called ‘amajoni’ when we were at university. Tina never backed down and under the stylish garments she wore, she was always the “amajoni” who had absolutely no rhythm, but loved to sing revolutionary songs,” Joemat said.
