The People Democratic Party, South Africa Chairman, Hon Ekos Akpokabayen has commiserated with South Africa and the entire continent of Africa over the passing of Winnie Mandela on the 2nd of April 2018.
Akpokabayen made this known in a statement made available to The Nation on Wednesday in Lagos, said Winnie in no doubt was a great icon for the whole of this continent and especially for women.
He said, Winnie stood up at a time when it meant losing everything and even one’s life, but it did not matter to her. She was prepared to lose everything to fight for the freedom of her people and so she did.
“Mama Winnie Mandela was a social worker, full of compassion and developed the spirit to care for human beings and in her resilience to fight the apartheid government she stood as an inspiration to so many people during the struggle for freedom. At times she was the voice and she was a symbol of defiance to the evil apartheid government”.
“In isolation, in confinement, in castration Winnie always showed strength and she never let the spirit of “Ubuntu” depart from her. Winnie groomed so many young leaders and always spoke the truth. She sacrificed everything, was tortured, humiliated, beaten, accused but never defeated”.
“Mama, you are truly a hero, legend and the mother of South Africa. You have been an inspiration to me personally. We love you so dearly. We thank you for what you are, what you did and for everything you accomplished in your lifetime”.
“you will always remain in our hearts and we know that the tears on our eyes will hardly stop because of your passing, however I am so grateful to God that I knew such an extra ordinary human being like you”.