During the afternoon Monday, April 2, 2018, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away due to a long-termed illness. As a vocal activist, rebel against the white-minority rule, and fighter for equality, she was dubbed “Mother of the Nation.”
Before Madikizela-Mandela‘s death, her illness involved an infection leading to several trips to the hospital in the past year, during the most recent hospitalization she had back surgery.
When the news of her death was revealed a sea of mourners along with respectable politicians arrived at her door in the Soweto area of Johannesburg. The announcement of 81-year-old Madikizela-Mandela’s passing was made by Victor Dlamini, a trusted family spokesperson.
She was honored with a state funeral on April 14. Her memorial took place on April 11. Mourners danced and sang in remembrance of Madikizela-Mandela and her efforts.
“As the ANC we dip our revolutionary banner in salute of this great icon of our liberation struggle,” a minister Jeff Radebe expressed.
Gwede Mantashe, a chairperson of the African National Congress, sent his deepest condolences. He added parting words about the immeasurable guidance from the country’s icon.
At her memorial, the current South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa told the crowd that Mandela was and still is a brave woman, describing the activist as a woman who was “an abiding symbol of the desire of our people to be free.”
During her marriage to Nelson Mandela, Madikizela-Mandela was imprisoned several times because of scandalous allegations and altercations with the police. Similarly, Mandela was also incarcerated, arrests were made in attempts to demoralize Mandela and his wife’s cause.
Over the years Madikizela-Mandela made several speeches and statements against those who sought to end the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Madikizela-Mandela‘s defiance against the harassment and accusations made by white and corrupt authorities inspired her generation and others in the fight for liberation.
Written by Brielle R. Buford
Edited by Cathy Milne
Sources:
New Jersey Real-Time News: Winnie Mandela, former wife of Nelson Mandela, dies at 81
BBC: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela: Anti-apartheid campaigner dies at 81
MSN: Winnie Mandela, South African anti-apartheid campaigner and former wife of Nelson Mandela
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