Winnie face of fight against oppression

IT is with deep sorrow that we learnt of the passing away of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the veteran of our struggle and mother of the nation.

The people of South Africa and the whole world have lost a gallant fighter for freedom for her people, a remarkable mother, a champion of justice and peace in our country.

She was the face of the fight against the oppressive dispensation of the white minority regime and its exploitation of the black masses.

Besides, she was also the symbol of the peaceful transition of South Africa from a police state to a free democratic state, the “rainbow nation”.

We shall remember her unwavering fighting spirit and unfettered bold resilience against the apartheid regime with all its atrocities.

Madikizela-Mandela did not only inspire our people to fight against apartheid, but she also inspired the whole world in support of the anti-apartheid struggle.

The sad loss of this selfless freedom fighter should prompt each of us and our organisation to introspect regarding the principles and values which she espoused, namely honesty, humility, peace and integrity.

Fezile Mavuso, chairperson of ANC Veterans League in Nelson Mandela Bay region

WINNIE Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela, who was a social worker at Baragwanath Hospital, inspired all social workers in general, and medical social workers in particular, to serve with humility, and to embrace all, the poor and unwashed without fear or favour.

Her resilience to oppression of women and blacks, her fury against all forms of injustice, not to mention her positive spirit to continue to fight against adversity, gave the hospital social worker the energy to find a home for that abandoned baby, a shelter for the abused woman and a frail care facility for the neglected elderly person. May her soul rest in peace. Your memory will live forever in our hearts, as we are all greatly indebted to you.

P N Rubushe, principal medical social worker, Dora Nginza Hospital, Port Elizabeth