Tributes are pouring in following the death of anti-apartheid activist and former Cape Town Mayor Theresa Solomon.

Her family announced that the 79-year-old passed away peacefully on Monday evening, 7 July 2025, following a period of illness.

Solomon was a well-known community activist in Mitchells Plain in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and became the first black female Cape Town Mayor in 1996.

Family spokesperson Neil Cole says Solomon will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to social justice.

“Born in Cape Town in 1945, Theresa 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.”

Solomon was fondly known as “Com T”, and was a tireless champion of community empowerment and youth leadership.

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 Theresa’s extraordinary legacy. She was especially loved by the people of Mitchell’s Plain, where she lived and worked during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.”

The Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective paid a moving tribute to Solomon on Facebook. She was the founder member of the organisation.

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.

She was instrumental in community activism with the establishment of the Leadwood Creche and the Woodlands People’s Centre.

“MPDAC conveys our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and comrades. Your loss is our loss. Rest well, daughter of the soil, we salute your tireless dedication and commitment to building a better community and country.”

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has also expressed the City’s condolences on the passing of Solomon.

“Former Mayor Theresa Solomon will be remembered for her dedication to justice and activism, which brought about meaningful change, especially on the Cape Flats, where she played a pivotal role in establishing civic organisations to campaign for amenities in the wake of forced removals in the 1970’s, including schools, hospitals, and police stations.”

Hill-Lewis says her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Solomon’s passing comes less than 48 hours after the death of another former Cape Town Mayor, Frank van der Velde.

van der Velde, who died on Sunday, led the city during a pivotal period of transition to democracy. He presided over the City Council at a time of increasing political and social change, notably welcoming Nelson Mandela and Frank Chikane for the historic National Peace Accord conference in Cape Town in 1991.

van der Velde served from 1991 to 1993, remaining active in local politics after his tenure, advising and supporting council initiatives.