Leaders in the community remember struggle icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

With the sad passing of struggle icon and mother of the nation, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Fourways Review approached leaders in their community to share their thoughts on the fallen icon.

Ward 115 councillor, Matome Mafokwane said, “It is by accident that M’am Winnie was called the mother of the nation, as I believe she was beyond being the mother of the nation. She literally held the knife on the sharp end in the darkest days of our country.”

Mafokwane added that Madikizela-Mandela did not matter how brutal the apartheid regime was to her, she maintained discipline and belief that freedom will be attained in the end.

“When I look at women of our generation walk with their heads held high, we know that it was because of Ma’m Winnie who single-handedly delivered freedom for them.”

Mafokwane expressed that history will judge the nation extremely badly because according to him, Madikizela-Mandela was not given all the recognition she deserved when she was alive for what she had contributed towards the liberation of the country.

“It is with great sadness that Ma’m Winne has passed away. May she forever be in our hearts and may her spirit live on.”

Another leader who wished to share his memories about Madikizela-Mandela was chairperson of the ANC branch for Ward 113, Abraham Mabuke who expressed that he knew Madikizela-Mandela as a passionate woman who had a good heart and stood firm for the nation. “I remember how she would march with the masses in order to drive the point across that oppression on black people should be eradicated in the country.”

Mabuke added that Madikizela-Mandela’s departure on earth was painful for the nation, however, he believed that there was a big reunion in heaven as she is reunited in heaven with the former president, Nelson Mandela.

“We will forever keep her in our hearts and we appreciate all that she has done for the country. May Ma’m Winnie’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

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