Former Health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang was on Tuesday remembered at an emotional special official funeral in Pretoria.
The 69-year-old former health minister died in a Johannesburg hospital last week.
She was described as a compassionate woman who loved life.
Her daughter Phulane Kingston was among speakers who took to the podium.
“Her death has robbed the country of a committed leader to the transformation of our society; she defended the constitution of the country right up to the very end of her,” said Kingston.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga also had kind words for Tshabalala-Msimang.
“Comrade Manto understood very well women occupy a special place in society and in the life of any nation,” said Motshekga.
Family representative Billy Modise said Tshabalala-Msimang’s relatives had been dealt a blow by her loss because she was a disciplined, principled and fearless woman who fought against apartheid.
Tshabala-Msimang’s husband has remembered her as his soul-mate and comrade in arms.
Mendi Msimang wrote an emotive letter to his wife Manto which was read out by a family representative during the service.
In the letter, Msimang spoke about his grief and the void his partner’s death has left.
“My memories of you will be reinforced by seeing you in the faces of our children, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren,” the letter read.
Messages of condolences from former president’s Thabo Mbeki, who is overseas, and Nelson Mandela, who rarely makes public appearances these days, were also read out.
Mbeki called the former health minister a friend and comrade, saying the example she set will continue to inspire people.
President Jacob Zuma told mourners Tshabalala-Msimang remains an undisputed hero of the country’s liberation struggle even when she was criticised over her views on HIV/Aids when she as health minister.
Zuma said the ANC stalwart served South Africans diligently and sacrificed her own life to improve the livelihood of the poor.
“A dedicated medical doctor, a distinguished servant of the people and a humanitarian,” he said.
Meanwhile, the priest who conducted the service said Tshabalala-Msimang was not an ordinary 69-year-old because she never lacked enthusiasm and passion.
He adds the former health minister’s family stood by her even when she was greatly misunderstood by her friends and enemies.