A state funeral is being planned in South Africa for Winnie Mandela, the former wife of civil rights icon Nelson Mandela. Winnie died Monday in Johann
A state funeral is being planned in South Africa for Winnie Mandela, the former wife of civil rights icon Nelson Mandela. Winnie died Monday in Johannesburg’s Milpark Hospital, where she was being treated for a kidney infection. She was 81. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking outside of Winnie’s home, confirmed an official memorial is set for April 11 and a national official funeral for April 14.
“There will be many other memorial functions across the country‚ in almost every province. We would like to express our gratitude and our thanks to many across the country and the world who are wishing us well‚ who are wishing her movement well,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, some South Africans are paying tribute to Winnie Mandela, visiting the home of the anti-apartheid activist and ex-wife of Nelson Mandela a day after she died. Women’s league members from South Africa’s ruling party sang outside her house in the Soweto area of Johannesburg on Tuesday. Julius Malema, an opposition leader, later spoke to a crowd of supporters outside the home, saying South Africans must bid farewell to a giant.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was persecuted by the apartheid government, and venerated by many South Africans because of her activism against white minority rule.
