Madikizela-Mandela funeral service in Orlando, burial site in Fourways

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s family spokesperson, General Temba Matanzima, has officially confirmed that the late freedom fighter’s funeral service will be held in Orlando West, Soweto, and she will be laid to rest in Fourways, north of Joburg.

Matanzima was speaking to the media this afternoon during a media briefing to announce the series of events leading to the burial of the stalwart on April 18, 2018.

Announcing the ANC’s 10-day programme to celebrate the life and times of Madikizela-Mandela, secretary-general Ace Magashule said the ANC had declared her the Mother of Nation and said it was “evident that uMama in her lifetime has touched many lives in our country and beyond”.

Magashule said the ruling party, in conjunction with the family, developed a 10-day mourning programme to “celebrate her outstanding life”.

“She was selfless, courageous and patriotic. We will continue to celebrate and honour her everlasting legacy, one to be emulated by generations to come,” Magashule said.

Deputy President David Mabuza, treasurer-general Paul Mashatile, chairperson Gwede Mantashe, parliamentary caucus chairperson Jackson Mthembu and other ANC MPs have already visited the Madikizela-Mandela homestead this afternoon.

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On Thursday the family will be visited by the National Executive Committee (NEC) members, where a condolences book will be unveiled. The public will also be able to sign this book at 53 ANC offices across the country. In the evening, the party will host Solomon Mahlangu Bursary Dinner.

Saturday, April 7, has been declared Winnie Madikizela-Mandela ‘Day of Service’ wherein a hospice will be chosen where volunteers will spend the day working at. There will also be a mural wall dedicated to Madikizela-Mandela.

On Monday, April 9, the action will move to Albertina Luthuli House, where a tribute wall will be unveiled. Two main memorial services, one at Standard Bank arena in the Joburg CBD and the other one in Mbizana, will take place. This will be supported by memorial services in other provinces, including Brandfort, where she was banished to “exile” in the 80s.

Wednesday, April 11, is dedicated towards “government memorial service”, with the one in Gauteng scheduled to be held at Regina Mundi Church in Soweto. This will be followed by the main memorial service on the 12th of April at the University of Pretoria. This service will be attended by “former presidents of the ANCWL”, who will be joined in prayer by women of manyano from the Methodist Church.

The main night vigil will be held at Soweto Rugby Stadium prior to the funeral on the 11th.

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