Kathrada foundation remembers Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has extended its condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who passed away on Monday afternoon, 2 April.

“It is with sadness that we received the news of comrade Winnie’s passing after a period of illness that saw her in and out of hospital,” said the foundation’s executive director, Neeshan Balton.

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Balton wished her family and friends strength and hoped that they endure the 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. It deepens the sense of realisation that with their passing, we lose not only liberation activists, but sources of history that cannot be replaced,” Balton said.

Derek Hanekom, the foundation’s chairperson, said Winnie Madikizela-Mandela 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.

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“For the broader South African public, comrade 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,” Hanekom said.

Hanekom added that Madikizela-Mandela came to represent the struggle of black women against a system that forced them to bear the burden of a repressive regime.

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“She inspired not only activists of her own generation, but those that succeeded her as well,” said Hanekom.

The foundation said the totality of her history and legacy will have to be reflected upon over time.