Alex mourns Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The world continues to mourn and celebrate Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the doyen and mother of South Africa’s liberation and African women’s emancipation, ahead of her burial on 14 April at Fourways Memorial Park.

She died on 2 April aged 81 years at the Milpark Hospital after a long illness. She was surrounded by family members.

Read: #RIP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Alexandrians join this pilgrimage-like process of day and night vigils at her iconic home in Orlando West where, in the absence of her then incarcerated former husband and late former President Nelson Mandela, and with equally revered neighbouring Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s family, lead and were persecuted for their role in the political and spiritual struggle for liberation.

This is in the same location where the 1976 student uprising resulted in massacres of children resulting in the world-known Hector Peterson Memorial that also cements her monumental struggle history.

The mourners display their affection for her through remembrance speeches, banners and mementoes depicting her earthly immortal moments, struggle songs and brand dance toyi-toyi. Alex artist, Refiloe Pieterse and Ausi Nkepile, a former personal assistant to another late icon, Albertina Sisulu, had with them a banner depicting the remembrance of 16 June struggle solidarity between Alex and Soweto, which is promoted by the Alexandra June 16/18 Development Association.

Read: 5 moments Winnie Madikizela-Mandela displayed her fearlessness

Pieterse said it was humbling to join hundreds of mourners of all hues, including struggle heroes and heroines who Winnie hands over the baton to carry on the struggle for total emancipation, particularly for women.

Details: Refiloe Pieterse 072 345 9975.