Candles, crosses take centre stage at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela memorial

Candles and crosses took centre stage at Monday’s provincial memorial service for the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela that was held at Jack Botes hall in Polokwane.
Images from her life and the green, black and gold of the African National Congress (ANC) featured as prominently as the singing, dancing and whistling by an impassioned audience that packed the venue to beyond capacity around noon.
From time to time an element identified as a youth league presence at the back of the hall managed to attract attention with several disruptions in between the slots on the programme.
In welcoming those present ANC Provincial Chairperson Stan Mathabatha stressed, among others, the need for unity in the party, having to do away with factionalism in their ranks and, in the spirit of the gallant fighter, having to develop revolutionary patience.
By reading the obituary, ANC Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi reflected on Madikizela-Mandela’s past, early years, her life with former President Nelson Mandela and his later release, her confidantes and sources of inspiration, the Treason and Rivonia Trials, banning orders and imprisonment, the Soweto uprising, Truth and Reconciliation Commission testimony, public representation and commitment to community upliftment.

The service was part of a programme of activities in Limpopo paying tribute to the party stalwart who passed away last Monday. While ANC leaders from the province were due to attend the official memorial service at a church in Soweto yesterday (Wednesday), party supporters are expected to attend the funeral at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
As part of the programme of a week and a half, a brief ceremony was held outside ANC provincial headquarters Frans Mohlala House last Thursday.
The event was attended by representatives of ruling party structures and alliance partners in Limpopo who witnessed the opening of the condolence book and the laying of wreaths.
During the ceremony at Frans Mohlala House, ANC Deputy Provincial Chairperson Jerry Ndou described the reason for them honouring Madikizela-Mandela as her having been an icon and torch-bearer of the revolution and a leader among the people when they were struggling.
“She was the glue that brought our people together during difficult times.” He indicated that they should unite and renew the movement to be able to carry forward the legacy she had left them.
Among those who sent on media statements following the death of Madikizela-Mandela was the ANC Veterans League in Limpopo whose chairperson, Jacob Marule said in their media release that they were deeply saddened by the loss, “as we add her name to the ever growing list of our struggle icons whose time to lay down their spears creeps upon us as a thief would in the shadows of darkness. We can only be comforted in the knowledge that she has played her role, and that she is now at rest in a better place where we will surely meet again.”

Story & photos: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com