Tribute to Mama Winnie by Zinzi Magoda

“Mother of the Nation”
Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela was born, the fifth of nine children, in the village of Mbongweni, Bizana, in the Transkei on 26 September 1936. During her infant years her father, Columbus, was a local history teacher. In later years he was the minister of the Transkei Governments’ Forestry and Agriculture Department during Kaizer Matanzima's rule. Her mother, Nomathamsanqa Mzaidume (Gertrude), was a science teacher.

Right now the world is mourning the passing of a woman who was an unstoppable force.  Your passing has brought an inexplicable sense of loss to the nation. Your radicalism carried the revolution when it became too scary to do so for many.  You fought death every day. When you were tortured and imprisoned you were called a terrorist. You were humiliated but never complained and continued to fight for our freedom. These moments in your life made you stronger to continue the fight. You have touched so many lives. Your struggle was a true reflection of a hard working lioness. We honour your strength because through it all you remained victorious.

Lala ngoxolo qhawekazi “
uwufezile umzamo omhle
(You fought the good fight)”

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