Background
SHOPE, Gertrude was born on August 15, 1925 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Daughter of John Moekelsi and Mary Moeketsi.
SHOPE, Gertrude was born on August 15, 1925 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Daughter of John Moekelsi and Mary Moeketsi.
Schooling in Salisbury, Southern Rodesia, 1942-1943. St. Hilda’s College, Ladysmith, Natal, 1944-1945. Spoken languages: English, Tswana, Xhosa, Zulu.
Joined ANC, since 1954. Chairwoman, Soweto’s Central Western Jabavu branch of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). Transvaal Provincial Secretary, FEDSAW until leaving South Africa, 1966.
Following her husband’s arrest, left country to join him in exile in Botswana, 1966. Returned to Zambia, after first conference of Women in the External Mission of the ANC, 1981. Head of the ANC Women’s section and Member, ANC National Executive Committee, since 1981.
Elected with her husband, co-convenors. Internal Leadership Core and Task Force, May since 1990. Led ANC Women’s Section back to South Africa, June 1990.
Elected President, ANC Women’s League at the first National Conference, Kimberley, Northern Cape, April since 1991. Professional career: teacher, Indaleni High School, Richmond, Natal, 1948-1951. Teacher, Pimville High School, 1951-1954 when the system of Bantu Education was introduced.
Worked in Occupational Therapy Department, Coronation Hospital. Johannesburg City Council, organising women’s clubs and assisted the disabled, 1956. Volunteer worker, Margaret Ballinger Hospital.
Methodist
[{"type":"father","name":"John Moekelsi"},{"type":"mother","name":"Mary Moeketsi"},{"type":"spouse","name":"Mark Shope"}]