President Jacob Zuma says Freedom Charter architect, Beata Lipman, will be remembered as a principled and esteemed struggle veteran.

Lipman, who is credited with drafting the original Freedom Charter in her own handwriting, passed away on Thursday.

“It is always saddening to lose such a principled and esteemed freedom fighter and struggle veteran like Ms Lipman, who was at the forefront during the 1955 Congress of the People, which drafted the Freedom Charter, the foundation of our democratic Constitution.

We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to her family and relatives. May her soul rest in peace, said President Zuma.

The President, who expressed deep sadness at the 88-year-old’s passing, said Lipman and her late anti-apartheid activist husband, Alan Lipman, will forever be remembered.

South Africa marked the 20th anniversary of the signing into law of the Constitution on Saturday.

Source: South African Government News Agency