JOHANNESBURG, April 11 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Wednesday held a national memorial service for the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
The service was attended by the people across the political divide, faith based organizations, labor and the general South Africans.
Deputy President David Mabuza praised Madikizela Mandela for her bravery in the face of torture by the Apartheid government. He said the late Mother of the Nation's death has been felt all over the world.
"In the past few days, Mama Winnie's sense of universalism was echoed by millions across the world, and the visits to her home by various leaders and people from different political persuasions is testimony to her status as a global freedom fighter. She triumphed to lead a life of reconciliation, and the reconstruction and renewal of our society," Mabuza said.
He said Madikizela Mandela always tried to unite the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and society at large.
Madikizela Mandela was married to the late former South African President Nelson Mandela who was incarcerated for 27 years for opposing the Apartheid rule.
Mandela family spokesperson, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima praised Madikizela Mandela for raising the children single-handedly under difficult situation. Matanzima stated that Africa is now bankrupt without one of its loyal daughters in Madikizela Mandela.
He added, "We have lost a negotiator and a leader. She unified the Madikizela and Mandela family. We thank all South Africans who prayed for us. We received a lot of support. When you have a bereavement, you look for genuine support."
ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte paid tribute to her departed comrade labelling Madikizela Mandela a unifier, humble and principled cadre. She stated that the late heroine never betrayed her party (ANC) but pointed the bad things and openly spoke her mind.
Duarte said, "She did not betray the revolution. She prayed for the unity of the ANC. She spoke out against those that wanted more power."
Zodwa Zwane, who was a personal assistant of Madikizela Mandela since 2007, praised her late boss. She spoke affectionately about the Mother of the Nation's humility who would greet everyone she met. To Madikizela Mandela everyone was important, she stated. Zwane described Madikizela Mandela as a "mother, friend and boss."
Madikizela Mandela passed away on April 2 in Johannesburg after a long illness. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a 10-day mourning after her death. She will be laid to rest in a state funeral on April 14.
