Media Statements

The African National Congress (ANC) commemorates the 7th anniversary of the passing of a liberation struggle icon a fearless & unflinchingly loyal champion of the struggles of the oppressed, dispossessed and exploited masses, a freedom fighter, a trained guerilla of uMkhonto weSizwe, a President of the ANC Women’s League, a trained social worker, Isithalandwe/Seaparankwe (the highest honour awarded by the people of South Africa, through the African National Congress, to those who have made an outstanding contribution and sacrifice for the liberation struggle), a death-defying heroin of the people who stood toe-to-toe against the apartheid regime when standing for the plight of our people & raising the flag of the ANC which was banned only invited death, a Mother of the Nation, Mama Winnie Nomzamo Zanyiwe Madikela-Mandela Mama Winnie was more than a leader; she was a symbol of defiance, the very embodiment of revolutionary resistance. Through banning orders, solitary confinement, exile, and relentless persecution, she stood firm. She was undaunted, unshaken, and unyielding in her commitment to the total liberation of our people.

“I quite enjoy the fact that I will always prick their consciousness. I will remind them of the painful past they want us to forget. I will be that person who nags their consciousness when they want to pretend that everything is just fine” Mama Winnie Nomzamo Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela True to these words, Mama Winnie was relentless and refused to allow our people’s suffering to be erased or sanitised. She fought against apartheid with the same militancy with which she confronted post-apartheid injustices – never seeking comfort in positions of power but instead remaining in the trenches, fighting side by side with the masses of our people.

Her legacy demands that we remain resolute in the face of persisting inequalities, the violence inflicted on women and children, and the continued struggle for economic freedom. The greatest tribute to Mama Winnie is to continue the fight for total emancipation, national sovereignty, and the dignity of all South Africans.The ANC calls upon all progressive forces to uphold her revolutionary vision and ensure that the unfinished business of redress and transformation of our country is carried through with the urgency and resolute commitment it deserves.

Long Live the spirit of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Long Live. Mother of our Revolution!

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