Mama Winnie reminded women of their power

Madikizela Mandela has been hailed as the epitome of black excellence

Deputy President David Mabuza says Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela reminded daughters and mothers that they are powerful and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with men.

Delivering a keynote tribute at the Official Memorial Service of Madikizela-Mandela held at Orlando Stadium, the Deputy President said to the world Madikizela-Mandela became the icon of the struggle faced by all women.

“You fought a good fight,” said the Deputy President.

He referred to her as an embodiment of the struggle and the torch of South Africa’s liberation.

“She was the dream and hope of the slave… In life and death she remain unbreakable,” said the Deputy President, adding that she struck terror right at the heart of racial discrimination.

He said it takes someone special to sacrifice their life the way Madikizela-Mandela did.

“She married the struggle and never asked anything in return from anyone,” said the Deputy President.

He said even at the age of 81, Madikizela-Mandela was still fighting to be the voice of the people.

The Deputy President said she remained an epitome of black excellence and called on all leaders to emulate Madikizela-Mandela as she had the spirit to serve the people.

“Her only preoccupation was to serve humanity,” he said, adding that she triumphed and led a life of reconciliation, reconstruction and renewal.

He said South Africans have learned to forgive because of her abounding love and respect.

He also referred to her as a friend of the workers of the land who never humiliated the poor.

Deputy President Mabuza said many trusted her with their pain and suffering because they knew how kind she was.

“She did not die but multiplied… she will forever live amongst us and generations to come,” said the Deputy President.

Thousands of mourners, including Madikizela-Mandela’s daughters Zenani Dlamini-Mandela and Zinzi Mandela, family members, political party leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders and ordinary South Africans, gathered at the stadium to pay tributes to the late struggle stalwart.