The African National Congress (ANC) and its various structures joined the widespread expressions of sadness following the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
The struggle stalwart died in Johannesburg on 2 April 2018 after a long illness.
Speaking to the South African National Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) following her passing, ANC Secretary General, Ace Magashule said, “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.”
Magashule also praised her efforts in ending apartheid in the country by calling her an inspiration to others.
“She was an inspiration to both young and old who shared her vision of an egalitarian, prosperous and free South Africa Africa-and generations of activists not just in South Africa but around the world today deeply mourn her as we do,” he added.
The ANC says that it will meet with the struggle icon’s family to plan for her sending off.
Meanwhile, the ANC Caucus in Parliament also expressed its sadness of the news of Madikizela-Mandela’s death.
“The African National Congress (ANC) in Parliament joins South Africans in mourning the sad passing of ANC stalwart and liberation icon, comrade Mama Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela,” it said in a statement.
“We dip our revolutionary flag in celebration of one of the greatest and most cherished daughters of the soil,” the statement added.
The ANC parliamentary caucus plans to honour Madikizela-Mandela with a condolence motion in the National Assembly.
The ANC Women’s League says that it is “shocked and devastated” by the passing of Madikizela-Mandela.
Secretary General of the ANCWL, Meokgo Matuba added in a statement that “She will forever remain an encouraging figure in the fight against patriarchy and male chauvinism in and outside of politics.”
