Mama’s life is worth celebrating

News of the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on Monday afternoon was not only saddening but brought back memories of her relentless and fearless struggles against the inhumane apartheid system.

Winnie has consistently stood with oppressed and poor people. This she did from within the ANC and the government, and by publicly speaking truth to power. Her unapologetic and uncompromising stance cost her a lot.

However, she neither retreated nor surrendered. Instead, the Mother of the Nation remained steadfastly truthful, loving and inspiring to the majority of suffering people, especially women and the youth, both in Africa and the progressive world.

Her life of Struggle resembled the collective life of the suffering but courageous women in both developed and developing nations.

Hers was a purposeful life worth celebrating. It was a life of hope to overcome patriarchy by resisting and standing bravely against all odds.

We must pick up the spear to continue her dream of total emancipation by learning from her fearless, courageous and truthful ways of leading people and waging the liberation Struggle.

She epitomised the continuing worldwide struggle for gender equality in particular, and pursuit for total liberation in general.

Her name will always be synonymous with the struggle for total emancipation.

Bennitto Motitswe, Groenkloof,

Tshwane