Winnie Mandela joins Twitter

South African politician Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has joined Twitter as @winniemandela.

The twittersphere has been abuzz with warm words of welcome for Madikizela-Mandela as news of her presence on the social media platform continues to spread like wildfire.

In mere days Winnie attracted a total of 4,862 followers, who have been inundating her with tweets, and she addressed the fast-growing flood of tweeters on Tuesday when she wrote: “I appreciate that you all have some questions&comments. I cannot respond to each of you personally, I hope the next few tweets will suffice.”

Referring to the egalitarian nature of social media, she continued by saying: “Democracy at play. The right for people to fight for an identity…”

“…a political home that reflects your ideals and where you would like to see the country go.”

She subsequently addressed the SA youth, and wrote: “You, young people determine the discourse of this country.”

“I refuse to talk to you only at rallies. I have it on good authority (grand-children) that I would find you here.” “I understand the value of social media.”

She further explained her motivation for joining Twitter, saying: “I would like to challenge the idea that this space is only for armchair critics.”

“I know that many of you exchange ideas, debate issues and I to want to join that conversation.”

“Now on being on twitter… I am a 77yr old woman from Pondoland. I am accountable to 3generations that come after me.”

Winnie is herself following 83 people, among them writer Khaya Dlanga, the KofiAnnan Foundation, South African Rugby, Bafana Bafana, Hillary Clinton, Bantu Holomisa, Chad Le Clos, Anele Mdoda, Mamphela Ramphele, the Dalai Lama, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Helen Zille.

– TEAMtalk Media