Emma Mashinini,
who we got to hear
On morning radio, was
a petite woman.
That’s what she was.

Diminutive little elfin
tiny, small, short.

Emma Mashinini has passed,
trade unionist, pioneer, trade unionist.

A petite woman,
that’s what she was.

Anti-apartheid fighter,
fighter for women’s rights and
a warrior on all fronts.

Women described
a woman differently to others

Men saw her as
that appendage
to late unionist
Ronald (Bernie) Bernickow
or music giant Ray Phiri.

A petite woman,
That’s what she was.

We have a long way.