Winnie a pain for apartheid rulers
NO single South African woman has stood out in giving the apartheid establishment a hard time during the struggle against oppression like ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela did.
This is the message that was echoed by ANC heavyweights as they celebrated MadikizelaMandela’s 80th birthday at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, last night.
ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize described MadikizelaMandela as a symbol of hope, courage and freedom for confronting apartheid rulers and demanding freedom.
“If there is anybody who gave them a hard time and sleepless nights, it was you. What we admire in you is that you had to play the part when you were very young and left alone when tata [Nelson Mandela] was in prison,” Mkhize said.
The former anti-apartheid activist was also praised as a unifying figure in SA’s political landscape.
ANC national chairwoman Baleka Mbete said Madikizela-Mandela’s week-long birthday celebrations had brought different people together, including political adversaries something no one expected.
“… Some of them we never associated with are celebrating your birthday with you. You had comrade Cyril [Ramaphosa] on one side and Julius Malema on the other side and it speaks of you and your essence of bringing everyone together,” Mbete said.
The event, organised by the ANC Women’s League, was also attended by local celebrities, including musicians Khanyi Mbau, Nathi Mankayi and Vusi Nova.
ANCWL president Bathabile Dlamini used the occasion to reiterate that the league would push for a woman president.
The ANCWL is endorsing African Union Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to succeed President Jacob Zuma next year. Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina said the municipality would soon bestow the freedom of the city to Madikizela-Mandela.