On the 2nd of April, 2018, Africa lost one of her heroines – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, fondly called ‘Mother of the Nation’ by her supporters. The world salutes her, and various leaders have paid tributes.
“She refused to be bowed by the imprisonment of her husband, the perpetual harassment of her family by security forces, detentions, bannings and banishment. Her courageous defiance was deeply inspirational to me, and to generations of activists.” – Archbishop Emeritus Tutu
“We mourn the passing of this great patriot and Pan Africanist, whose resilience and courage inspired freedom struggles not only in South Africa, but across Africa and her diaspora. Comrade Madikizela-Mandela dedicated her life to the betterment of her people and she worked for this realisation right until the end of her life.”
“She was an inspiration to both young and old who shared her vision of an egalitarian, prosperous and free South Africa – and generations of activists not just in South Africa but around the world today deeply mourn her as we do.” – Ace Magashule, Secretary General of African National Congress
“She was a woman of uncommon determination, steadfastness and perseverance who held aloft the torch of the struggle against institutionalised discrimination even while her ex-husband, the late Madiba, President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated … she remained a pride not only to the African woman, but indeed all Africans.” – Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President
“The extraordinary life you led is an example of resilient fortitude and inextinguishable passion that is a source of inspiration to us all of how to courageously confront challenges with unwavering strength and determination.” – Graça Machel, wife of the late Nelson Mandela
“Her courage, fearlessness, compassion and her selfless commitment to the struggle for freedom gave hope to millions of South Africans – especially during the darkest days of the struggle.” – Sophia de Bruyn, anti-apartheid activist and friend of Winnie Mandela
“Winnie Madikizela Mandela… led a bitter and dedicated struggle against the brutal Apartheid regime in South Africa, holding fort when her then husband Nelson Mandela was in detention.”
“In the course of the courageous struggle, Winnie became an inspiration to millions across the world who were fighting for freedom and dignity of their people. She particularly inspired women to move to the frontlines of struggles for justice and freedom across the world.” – Raila Odinga, Kenya opposition leader
“She was a member of a generation of leaders which survived the most brutal period of state terror in apartheid South Africa… All South Africans are indebted to Mama Winnie, whether they acknowledge it or not. From the witness of her life, we knew we could stand tall; we knew also we could falter and stumble. Either condition was an affirmation of life. Her cry was our cry, and in 2018 we can say we did triumph.” – Professor Njabulo Ndebele, Nelson Mandela Foundation Chairman