Official memorial for Mama Winnie

An official memorial service for struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela took place in the Mossel Bay Town Hall on Friday, 13 April. "Today is a celebration for all women who are not recognised in a male-dominated world," said executive mayor Harry Levendal.

"We celebrate not only the life of the mother of the nation, Winnie MadikizelaMandela, but the lives of all women."

Alderman Levendal said South Africa celebrates Mandela Day annually, not thinking much about the role of the statesman's soulmate and wife - the 'omgeemens' that Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was. Her sacrifices are difficult to fathom and were perhaps overshadowed by the role that her husband played in the liberation struggle.

Photo: Nickey le Roux

Councillors, workers and members of the community united in the queues to add their messages of condolence.