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Family, friends, government officials, the Diplomatic
Corps and ordinary South Africans came in their numbers
on Wednesday, 11 April 2018, to bid the woman who became
known as the face of the South African liberation
movement, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, goodbye in song and
praise at an official memorial service held in her
honour at the Orlando Stadium. Those who knew Mama
Madikizela-Mandela spoke of her as a selfless leader who
was always ready to lend a hand.
In his keynote address at the memorial, Deputy
President David Mabuza said Mama Winnie, as she was
affectionately known, gave without expecting anything in
return.
ˇ§Her activism cuts across race, gender and class.
Hers was to serve humanity in its totality. She gave
without expecting anything in return,ˇ¨ said Deputy
President Mabuza.
The stadium, which is a stoneˇ¦s throw away from the
home of Mama Winnie, erupted in song as mourners
celebrated the life of the fallen heroine.
Her daughters, Zindzi and Zenani Mandela,
grandchildren and former first Lady and wife to the late
Nelson Mandela, Graća Michel, were among those present.
Government officials, including ministers, deputy
ministers, leaders of various political parties and
high-ranking officials such as Chief Justice Mogoeng
Mogoeng and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi were also
present to bid farewell to the mother of the nation.
Political party members and supporters also came out
in their numbers, donning their varying regalia and
singing in unison to celebrate the struggle stalwart.
ˇ§In the past few days, Mama Winnieˇ¦s sense of
universalism was echoed by millions across the world,
and the visits to her home by various leaders and people
from different political persuasions is testimony to her
status as a global freedom fighter,ˇ¨ said the Deputy
President.
Making reference to a social media campaign that
erupted in celebration of Mama by young women who wore
all black and donned doeks, the Deputy President said
the family should take comfort in the idea that the
youth would take forward Mama Winnieˇ¦s baton of freedom.
ˇ§May you be consoled in the knowledge that across the
length and breadth of our country and the world, young
people are opening their eyes and proclaiming that Mama
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela did not die, but she
multiplied,ˇ¨ said Deputy President Mabuza.
The Deputy President thanked the people of Orlando
who since hearing of Mama Winnieˇ¦s passing paused their
lives to accommodate the celebration of her life.
Mama Winnie will be laid to rest on Saturday, 14 April
2018, in a Special Official Category 1 Funeral. This was
declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa following the
passing of the struggle stalwart on Easter Monday, 2
April 2018.
A Special Official Funeral will see military honours
displayed in tribute to Mama Winnie.
Heads of State, such as the likes of Namibian
President, Hage Geingob, and others are expected to be
in attendance. United States civil rights activist,
Jesse Jackson, is also expected to attend Mama Winnieˇ¦s
final send-off.
The 10-day period of mourning, which was declared by
the President, will also draw to a close on the Saturday
evening after the mother of the nation is laid to rest.
ˇV Source:
SAnews.gov.za
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