NC pays tribute to Mamma Winnie
THE NORTHERN Cape Office of the Premier will be working closely with national government for the state funeral being planned for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on April 14.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the official memorial service will take place on April 11.
Premier Sylvia Lucas said that the funeral would reflect the country’s highest regard for the “Mother of the Nation”.
“The official mourning period and the state funeral is an opportunity for all South Africans and the international community to mourn the loss we all feel and to celebrate Mama Winnie’s extraordinary life and contribution to all of humanity.”
She added that the details of any planned activities that would be held in the Province would be communicated to ensure that everyone would be able to participate in the memorial events.
Lucas, on behalf of the Northern Cape provincial government, mourned Madikizela-Mandela’s death.
“She was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable women in the world - she was a beautiful, strong, proud and fearless woman. We shall also never forget what difficulties she had to endure and what great sacrifices she made to see a free, equal and just South Africa.”
She added that her purposeful defiance in the face of adversity made a profound impact on the country.
SACP provincial secretary, Norman Shushu, stated that in honour of her legacy, the SACP, ANC and the whole of South Africa’s liberation movement should document the life and times of Madikizela-Mandela.
“It is vital not to lose any details of the historical account of each veteran made in the fight for freedom. This is extremely important both for young people and our future generations.
“An accurate account of where our society comes from is crucial to our national vision for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa based on social emancipation.
“The contributions that comrade Winnie made to the South African revolution, her sacrifices REMEMBERING: Friends and family members placed flowers outside the house of the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in Soweto.
Picture: Matthews Baloyi / ANA African News Angency
to the cause and her reactionary, repressive and torturous responses she endured from the apartheid regime, can produce volumes of history, humanities and social science books.”
Shushu also paid tribute to Madikizela-Mandela as a “resolute gender transformation activist and national democratic revolutionary”.
“Her departure from the world of the living has left South Africa poorer without her. The SACP is deeply worried that the South African revolution is losing the veterans who contributed immensely to our struggle against colonial oppression.
“The movement should, taking its cue from her revolutionary life and times, dedicate its focus towards ending patriarchy in our society and resolving the systemic problems of class, national and gender inequalities, unemployment, poverty and social insecurity.”
Cosatu provincial secretary, Anele Gxoyiya, said that he was saddened by the loss of another
liberation leader.
“We are saddened by the fact that our revolution continues to lose great leaders at a time when our broad liberation movement needs their wisdom to guide the ANC through difficult times.
“Her passing, which coincides with the first day of Freedom Month in the year of the centenary of Tata Rolihlahla Mandela, serves as an important closing in the last chapter of the life of this great heroine.”
Gxoyiya stated that the ANC responded to veterans like Madikizela-Mandela who were not afraid to put the organisation in its rightful place.
“She was one of the leaders who called for the ANC to self-correct and remove corrupt and morally compromised individuals from its leadership echelons.
“She spoke up against individuals who used the ANC to advance their own selfish interests instead of representing the masses of our people.
“Madikizela-Mandela was the fearless voice of the marginalised
and the downtrodden, who continued to advance the working class interests even when she was in government. She never used her position in government and proximity to power to terrorise people and force them to respect her.”
ANC provincial secretary, Deshi Ngxanga, expressed sadness at the passing of the ANC stalwart and struggle icon.
He said that Madikizela-Mandela was a resilient and fearless woman who tirelessly fought against apartheid and made an immense contribution to the liberation of the people of this country.
“Mama Winnie never abandoned the struggle. Her passing on will leave a void in the ranks of the ANC. We have lost a comrade, a true revolutionary who epitomised dedication and humility. We will always remember her for her stern spirit.”
The South African Students Congress (Sasco) remembered Madikizela-Mandela for her gallant fight against apartheid, as well as her contribution towards the provision of free quality higher education.
Sasco president Avela Mjajubana urged youths to draw lessons from the inspirational life of this fearless fighter.
“Every generation fights its own struggles and we take the spear and continue the fight for the attainment of economic freedom.”