Jessie Duarte, a National Executive Committee member of the African National Congress has accused some in the media of allegedly taking bribes to tarnish the image of the late struggle icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Addressing scores of mourners at Mama Winnie’s memorial service held at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 11 April, Duarte, the deputy secretary-general of the ANC, accused journalists of dishonesty.
Read: Winnie Mandela to tell her story
“We know that there are some journalists who are taking bribes to write lies about Mama Winnie,” said Duarte.
“For those who are unforgiving, sit down and shut up… she never abandoned her children. When [you] make a comment and we don’t like your comment – keep quiet.”
Duarte described Madikizela-Mandela as a caring mother who suffered more than anyone could have imagined when she was incarcerated and exiled by the apartheid regime.
Duarte did not specify which journalist/s or any media firm that had apparently been paid to report incorrect information about the Madikizela-Mandela.
Various other speakers also took turns to talk about Mama Winnie, including Inkatha Freedom Party’s former leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Deputy President of the country, David Mabuza.
Read: #RIP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Mabuza described Madikizela-Mandela as a true Mother of the Nation and an icon who stood against the then government that exiled her and even incarcerated her for fighting for the rights of the people of this country.
“Mama Winnie was a true freedom fighter and she never sold the struggle,” he said.
“She should be embraced as such because even years after we are gone, our children will also recognise her as such.”
The former member of the National Assembly, leader, a freedom fighter and wife of the former President Nelson Mandela, died on 2 April after battling with an illness in hospital.
She will be laid to rest on 14 April. The service will be held at the Orlando Stadium and it will then proceed to her resting place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Fourways.
Read: Tributes pour in on social media for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other national and international dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral service.
Details: www.gcis.gov.za
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