‘Bravery, spirit set her apart’

PUBLIC Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane joined the people of South Africa and the rest of the global community in paying tribute to anti-apartheid Struggle veteran Winnie MadikizelaMandela, who died at a Joburg hospital on Monday afternoon.

Mkhwebane said the unwavering fighting spirit and bravery with which Madikizela-Mandela confronted the violence and harassment visited upon her and her family at the height of minority rule was what set her apart from her contemporaries.

Her contribution to the deliverance of the black majority from oppression was well documented, Mkhwebane said, adding that Madikizela-Mandela epitomised the character that modern South African women ought to emulate as they continued to grapple with violence, discrimination and poverty, among other difficulties.

“Even in the face of untold ruthlessness, such as forceful separation from her young children, solitary confinement and banishment from the place she called home, she remained resolute and fought to the bitter end,” said Mkhwebane.

“Our hearts go out to her family, friends and comrades. We share their pain and loss. May they find comfort in the fond memories they shared with her.”

Segalwe is the senior manager of communication for the Office of the Public Protector