Condolences pour into the Mandela family as political activists along with government officials join their hands following the loss of African National Congress (ANC ) stalwarts Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Winnie died on Monday aged 81 at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg shortly after experiencing kidney failure and she had been in and out of the hospital since the start of the year.
Congress of the People (Cope) president Mosiuoa Lekota says that Madikizela-Mandela inspired generations to live lives of courage.
“We think that history will continue to honour her to the future. An example of life, an example of her life will continue to inspire generations of South Africans, Africans and the international community, to live lives of courage wherever human beings are oppressed, “says Lekota.
While the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane described Madikizela-Mandela as a remarkable leader saying she had an optimistic outlook towards South African political landscape.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, better known as Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela was born in Bizana, on 26 September 1936.
She studied social work at the Jan Hofmeyr School. In 1958, she married anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg; they remained married for 38 years and had two children together.
In 1963, Mandela was imprisoned following the Rivonia Trial where she became his public face during the 27 years he spent in jail.
During that period, she rose to prominence within the domestic anti-apartheid movement. She was arrested and detained by state security services on various occasions and spent several months in solitary confinement.
officials have confirmed that Winnie will be buried on the 14th of this month and she will receive a state funeral.
Here Are Some Of The Reactions From Twitter:
As a freedom fighter, your body had served its purpose. Your soul had done what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, and then was free to leave. We are because of you!
Rest in Power Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. pic.twitter.com/Zaa9BHIIxj
— Naledi Pandor (@NalediPandor) April 2, 2018
👊🏿 Power. Bravery. Wisdom. Timeless Beauty. RIP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela pic.twitter.com/IMhF6jik7G
— R.M Phoolo (@CassperNyovest) April 2, 2018
A hero, a mother and a legend has passed on. Her legacy will live on and we will remember her as the mother of the nation. We salute you Mother Winnie Mandela. Rest in Peace great soul, Winnie Madikizela Mandela👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #RIPWinnieMandela #WinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/QhsddUfP36
— Christo (@ChristoThurston) April 2, 2018
Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela Mandela. The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. This was only just the other day… 💔💔💔 10 March 2018 pic.twitter.com/MyyCWXV9tx
— WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA (@AthiGeleba) April 2, 2018
