‘Winnie was our pillar, our mother’
She won many over to the Struggle – Zuma
Politicians and ordinary people continued to flock to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s home in Soweto yesterday to pay their last respects.
Since her death on Monday, people from all walks of life have been visiting her home in Orlando West.
Former president Jacob Zuma told journalists outside the house that MadikizelaMandela was the “mother to the ANC”.
“One of our pillars has fallen. One of our leaders has departed,” Zuma said.
“She was a leader recognised not just in the ANC but by the country and the world [and] not because she was the wife of our icon Nelson Mandela.”
Zuma said she played a remarkable role in the Struggle against apartheid.
“There were many who joined the Struggle because they saw her fighting ...” Zuma said.
“She represented many of the mothers who had their husbands in prison and exile whose names are not known. She gave inspiration to everyone – men and women.”
Zuma also said MadikizelaMandela was brave enough to face the enemy.
“She was politically clear. She could not be confused by anything. And those who were young, fighting, looked up to her.
“To us [her death] is a big loss. To us there is a pain of losing a mother and leader who has seen it all.”
He said although she was harassed and tortured by the apartheid regime, she remained resolute because she knew she was a leader.
Zuma also used the opportunity to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for giving her a special official funeral.
“This is a national hero, that’s how we should say goodbye to her,” he said.
A handful of ANC supporters sang Struggle songs praising Zuma. Deputy President David Mabuza and ANC treasurer Paul Mashatile also arrived at her home to pay their last respects shortly after Zuma left.
Mabuza said the arrangements for the funeral were going well. “We [are] also grateful the family has opened its doors very wide for all leaders in our society,” he said.
“Here we are talking about the leader of our nation. She has touched too many people. All these people should be allowed to come close to this space. We have seen all political parties coming here.
“We think that is the right thing. Let us all celebrate this ... a life well-lived. We draw courage and inspiration and hope from this life that was well-lived,” Mabuza said.
Members of the ANC national executive committee were expected to visit the Madikizela-Mandela family today.
In his tribute message, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said Madikizela-Mandela, throughout her life, lived to serve South Africa.
“Even when she suffered at the hands of those who seemingly shared our Struggle, she stayed strong.
“I was humbled to support her in that difficult time when leaders of the UDF disowned her,” Buthelezi said.
‘ ‘ She’s national hero, that’s how we should say goodbye