Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was posthumously given the Freedom of the City of Joburg this week.
In addressing the gathering at the city’s council chambers, mayor Herman Mashaba apologised to her daughters for the delay in granting this freedom of the city.
“To Zenani and Zindzi, it is indeed shameful that we had to wait until the passing of Mam’uWinnie to recognise her for her contribution to this country’s freedom. You, more than most, know that, after all she had been through in her life, this was the least we could do to honour her memory and extend our gratitude for her many sacrifices,” he said.
Winnie Mandela was an influential woman in her time and will be remembered for the role she played in shaping our history, he added.
At a time of racial and tribal tensions, her main focus was to unite people. In her own words, he said, she instructed: “It is only when all black groups join hands and speak with one voice that we shall be a bargaining force which will decide its own destiny.”
-The Star
