‘Our country’s FREEDOM came at a great cost’
Mama Winnie was laid to rest yesterday. May her soul rest in peace.
As we mourn the death of the prolific revolutionary and struggle icon Mama Winnie, senior citizens say that they wouldn’t be where they are if it wasn’t for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, they said that they wouldn’t have known freedom.
Based in Pimville, Ipatleleng Bophelo Senior Citizens gathered at their centre to discuss Mama Winnie’s legacy and contributions, reminding each of their olden days before the freedom.
“She was a strong and courageous woman, I don’t think any ordinary woman can be that strong when her man is in prison, I have never seen that resilience in a woman.
“She defied everything apartheid threw at her and despite all the things they did to her, she remained unafraid in aiding the struggle for freedom,” said one of the senior citizens, Ruth Maetla.
“I remember in the olden days when we had to use a dompas, life was not easy at all, it limited us in most things. But I am proud to say that today we are free because Madikizela-Mandela lived, may her soul rest in peace,” said Anna Motaung, another senior citizen.
It became so emotional and was hard for some of them to express how they felt about the Mother of the Nation.
“She was really selfless she protected everyone including children without expecting anything in return. I am convinced without the likes of Madikizela-Mandela and sacrifices, our freedom would not have come. It is indeed a great loss for the whole nation,” said Jabulile Tlhabane, a senior citizen.
“With all the physical and emotional torture, she endured during apartheid, she still remained a fighter, she never quit fighting for our freedom,” Tlhabane added.
May her soul rest in peace.
