South Africa’s government has confirmed that a state funeral would be held for the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who died aged 81 on Monday.
The renowned freedom fighter who opposed the Apartheid died at the Netcare Milpark Hospital after withstanding a long illness, according to a statement from the family.
The family statement said “She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.”
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday said a memorial service would be held for Winnie Mandela on April 11 and a full state funeral will follow on April 14.
“Many off our people cannot believe that she has departed. They were still enjoying her presence in life, particularly because she seemed to have gotten over the health challenges she was going through,” Ramaphosa said to mourners who had gathered at her residence.
The South African President further said in her honour that “The nation was ill-prepared for her departure and people are grieving very deeply. The death is a great loss on that she has been one of the strongest women in our struggle who suffered immensely. She was treated badly, was separated from not only her husband but from her children and people as well. She remained strong determinatives and courageous and “stubborn on behalf of the people”.
Source: Africafeeds.com
