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The South African anti-apartheid icon and former wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, who died at age 81 on on April 2nd, after an elongated illness has been laid to rest today in Soweto.
Multitudes arrayed in a 37,500-capacity Orlando stadium, less than two kilometers from her home, with loud accolades and cheers as her coffin was publicly displayed during her pre–burial service in Soweto, following a private service at the home of Madikizela-Mandela.
Her coffin was adorned with the South African national Flag at the middle of the Stadium just in front of a stage decked with white and yellow flowers.
Citizens of South Africa, no doubt, will miss the iconic anti – apartheid heroine,who also served in different government capacities, such as the leader of the ruling party’s women’s league.
One of the mourners acknowledged the fact that she would be greatly missed while recalling some of her indelible acts. Brian Magqaza said she was one of the most profound leaders of the ANC who was a fighter from the beginning to the end.
Leading the pre – burial service in Orlando Stadium was Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, who resumed office two months ago.
Other dignitaries at the funeral include leader of Swaziland King Mswati III, Presidents of Namibian and the Republic of Congo, as well as American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. Former president Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki were also present at the funeral. Jessy Jackson described her as the true mother of South Africa” For Mandela-Dlamini, however, Winnie “made a choice to raise two families, hers and the beloved country,”.
As a form of national respect, the South African government ordered that a 21-gun salute be fired on Saturday, while a full guard of honour would escort Winnie’s remains to the location of her grave. Photo Credit: AFP / WIKUS DE WET |