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Former Cape Town mayor Theresa Solomon dies

Former mayor of Cape Town and anti-apartheid activist Theresa Solomon died on Monday at the age of 79 after a period of illness. She was surrounded by her relatives, family spokesperson Neil Cole said. 'Born in Cape Town in 1945, Solomon dedicated her life to the struggle for justice and equality. From organising communities on the Cape Flats to serving as Cape Town's first black female mayor and later as South Africa's High Commissioner to Tanzania and Canada, her unwavering commitment to social justice uplifted countless lives,' said Cole. He added that Solomon was a 'tireless champion of community empowerment and youth leadership'. READ | Calls for 'corrupt' Ngconde Balfour to testify before Zondo Commission 'Solomon will be remembered for her courage, humility, and love for the people of South Africa. She is survived by her daughter Lee-Anne, son-in-law, Oscar, grandchildren, Tina-Malaika and Ruiz, and her brother, Jerome.' 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who loved and will forever be inspired by Solomon's extraordinary legacy,' he said. Cole added that Solomon 'was especially loved' by the people of Mitchells Plain, where she lived and worked during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. In a social media post, the Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective (MPDAC) described Solomon as a 'mother, grandmother, community leader… and founder member of the MPDAC. MPDAC mourns the passing of Theresa Solomon (79), a mother, grandmother, community leader, former Cape Town Mayor, a... Posted by Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective: NPO 245-445 on Monday, July 7, 2025 'The Solomon family moved to Woodlands in 1979, where she was involved in numerous campaigns, such as the bus boycott, advocating for a school in Tafelsig, and opposing rent increases,' the post said. 'She was instrumental in community activism with the establishment of the Leadwood Creche and the Woodlands People's Centre. Solomon went on to become Cape Town's first black female mayor.'