12 Apr 2018

The iconic South African anti-apartheid stalwart Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been hailed for her enduring contribution to the struggle for equality, democracy and social justice.

Speaking at a memorial service held in her honour at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Gaborone on Wednesday evening, various dignitaries extolled Ms Madikizela-Mandela as a fearless fighter for a just cause.

Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Ms Dorcas Makgatho told the memorial, organised by the Association of South Africans in Botswana (ASABO) in partnership with the South African High Commission, that Ms Madikizela-Mandela was a selfless leader.

“The life of Ms Madikizela-Mandela was not just about herself but it revolved around the community and the nation at large. She was always resolute and in the forefront during the struggle against apartheid, and she will forever be remembered for he heroic deeds,” Ms Makgathos said.

The Premier of the North West Province of South Africa, Mr Supra Mahumapelo thanked Batswana for their hospitality and support rendered oppressed South Africans during the liberation struggle.

In eulogising Ms Madikizela-Mandela’s role in the quest for freedom, Mr Mahumapelo told his audience that although married to one of the prime figures in the anti-apartheid struggle, Mr Nelson Mandela at the height of the liberation struggle, Ms Madikizela-Mandela was a freedom fighter in her own accord.

“She was not in the struggle because of her husband. She was  involved because she was a revolutionary.  Ms Madikizela Mandela was a fearless woman who put the masses at the centre of the revolution, and the world started to pay attention to the South African situation after she spoke in international fora,” Mr Mahumapelo reflected.

He also said women should learn from the bravery of Ms Madikizela-Mandela and teach the girl child to exude confidence, be strong and stand up for any challenge that faces them.

Veteran politician, former Gaborone Central Member of Parliament, who also once served as the president of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), and is a one time Botswana National Front (BNF) vice president, Mr Michael Dingake said Ms Madikizela-Mandela faced a smear campaign.

“The state started a smear campaign through newspapers.  Political prisoners on Robben Island were not allowed access to newspapers but those which carried stories that were part of the smear campaign against Ms Madikizela-Mandela were filtered through,” Mr Dingake told the service.

While spending 15 years on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners for his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, Mr Dingake said they became aware that there was a calculated campaign to demonise Ms Madikizela-Mandela.

Ms Madikizela-Mandela passed away on Easter Monday and  will be laid to rest tomorrow. ENDS