Winnie funeral: public to be kept in the loop

FUNERAL plans for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela are going well and the government and the ANC will keep the public informed about the arrangements, Deputy President David Mabuza said.

Speaking outside Madikizela-Mandela’s home in Soweto‚ Mabuza thanked the family for opening its doors to all leaders of society and allowing everyone time to mourn the mother of the nation.

“We came to pay our respect firstly to the family but also to ensure that there is continuous support in this trying time.

“We were told that the arrangements are going very well. We are also grateful that the family has opened its doors very wide for all leaders in our society because here we are talking about the leader of our nation.

“She has touched too many people and all these people should be allowed to come to this space.”

Mabuza said they had seen all political parties coming to the Mandela home.

“We think that is the right thing. Let us all celebrate this life – a life well lived.

“We will be coming again and again‚ probably tomorrow we will be coming as the entire contingent of the national executive committee.

“A number of pronouncements will be made on the side of government and the ANC.

“We want to say to our people wherever they are‚ let them find time to remember this leader.

“They will be afforded that opportunity wherever they are‚” Mabuza said.

He was accompanied by ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile.

The ANC Youth League also visited the home.

“She was an icon of our nation. Beyond just politics she has been a mother to the nation,” ANCYL treasurer-general Reggie Nkabinde said.

“She has been somebody that all women in the country look up to and also men. The world has lost a leader.

“A heroine has fallen. In her own right she has been a great leader‚ not only because she was married to Nelson Mandela‚ but she has built a name called Winnie Madikizela,” Nkabinde said.

Her funeral will be held on April 14 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.