PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
AU pays tribute to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) – Expressing “great shock and profound sadness” following the death of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, ex-wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, described her as “an icon of the liberation struggle against Apartheid”.
“She will forever be remembered as a fearless campaigner who sacrificed much of her life for freedom in South Africa. She never relented in her struggle or wavered in her commitment, despite imprisonment, banishment, and decades-long separation from her then husband Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment.
“Winnie Madikizela-Mandela paved the way for women in the struggle to end Apartheid and fought relentlessly for their rights and welfare in her country. It was in recognition of her formidable contribution to the fight against oppression that she received a lifetime achievement award in 2017 from the African Union Commission Chairperson,” Mr. Mahamat eulogized.
The Chairperson added that the entire African Union family joins the continent in grief at the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He also conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of South Africa.”
-0- PANA AR 2April2018
“She will forever be remembered as a fearless campaigner who sacrificed much of her life for freedom in South Africa. She never relented in her struggle or wavered in her commitment, despite imprisonment, banishment, and decades-long separation from her then husband Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment.
“Winnie Madikizela-Mandela paved the way for women in the struggle to end Apartheid and fought relentlessly for their rights and welfare in her country. It was in recognition of her formidable contribution to the fight against oppression that she received a lifetime achievement award in 2017 from the African Union Commission Chairperson,” Mr. Mahamat eulogized.
The Chairperson added that the entire African Union family joins the continent in grief at the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He also conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of South Africa.”
-0- PANA AR 2April2018
