By Susan N. Nkomo*
Last month we received the sad news of the passing on of one of our members, Ms Matrine Bbuku Chuulu – former Director of WLSA Regional Office in Zambia.
As someone who has had the privilege of working with Matrine closely during a number of critical contributions to the regional and continental women’s rights campaigns and struggles through several decades,  I am truly saddened  to hear of the sad news of her passing.  We will remember with appreciation Matrine’s achievement’s in the women’s rights movement and miss her warmth and humility. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and yes, may her family and loved one’s find strength in these difficult times, and be comforted  by the words of Sweet Honey in The Rock in their song Breaths.

“…
those who have died have never, never left
the Dead are not under the earth
they are in the rustling trees, they are in the groaning woods
they are in the crying grass, they are in the moaning rocks
the Dead are not under the earth
so listen more often to things than to beings
listen more often to things than to beings
tis the ancestors breath when the fire’s voice is heard
tis the ancestors breath in the voice of the water
those who have died have never, never left
the Dead have a pact with the living
they are in the woman’s breast
they are in the wailing child
they are with us in the home
they are with us in the crowd
the Dead have a pact with the living
so listen more often to things than to beings
listen more often to things than to beings
tis the ancestors breath when the fire’s voice is heard
tis the ancestors breath in the voice of the water
listen more often to things than to beings
listen more often to things than to beings
tis the ancestors breath when the fire’s voice is heard
tis the ancestors breath in the voice of the water.”

And with that, I know Matrine is always amongst us.
Ms Susan Nkomo is a consultant, connect with her on snkomo@mweb.co.za