Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 02-04-2018
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has extended its condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who passed away this afternoon.
The apartheid icon who has been ill for a number of years died at the Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg on Monday.
Mandela has been in and out of hospital since the start of the year.
In a statement, the Kathrada Foundation’s Neeshan Balton says they are deeply saddened by Winnie Madikizela’s death.
“We wish her family and friends strength during this trying time and trust that they will bear this difficult period with courage. News of her passing comes just a few days after the one year death anniversary of Ahmed Kathrada, and a few months after the passing of Laloo Chiba and Eddie Daniels.”
The Foundation’s Chairperson, Derek Hanekom says Winnie and Ahmed Kathrada were good friends.
“Comrade Winnie and Ahmed Kathrada shared a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship that extended from before Kathrada’s imprisonment, when he became close to both the Sisulu and Mandela families.”
Hannekom says Winnie became an iconic symbol against apartheid, and especially so at a time when the ANC and other liberation organisations were almost crushed.
“Her militancy, courage and defiance kept the struggle against apartheid alive. In particular, she came to represent the struggle of black women against a system that saw them bearing the burden of a repressive regime.”
Hannekom says like with other iconic figures who contributed to the liberation struggle, the totality of Winnie’s history and legacy will have to be reflected upon over time.
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