ANCYL leaps to Winnie's defence

2012-07-25 07:44

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. (File, Sapa)

Johannesburg - The ANC Youth League on Tuesday criticised the deputy communications minister for questioning Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's "rich legacy".

"How dare you attempt to diminish the rich legacy of Mama who has never retreated from freeing our people politically and economically?" league spokesperson Magdalene Moonsamy wrote in an open letter to Deputy Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni.

"She is the culmination of the life of a woman who has never backed down from principle and commitment not only to the masses of South Africa but the oppressed peoples the world over."

The Sowetan on Monday quoted Ndabeni saying Madikizela-Mandela was not a saint and was wrong to criticise President Jacob Zuma's polygamous lifestyle.

In a post on social media platform Facebook, Ndabeni slated Madikizela-Mandela's latest criticism of Zuma's multiple marriages.

She also wrote: "Mam' Winnie has always seen a great leader like Madiba in [expelled ANCYL leader Julius] Malema, and now the mother of our nation sees immorality in Zuma... who is a saint between the two of them?" wrote Ndabeni.

Responding to the post Moonsamy said: "Is it wrong for Mama; the mother of a nation, to caution young people and advocate for one partner?

"This especially when HIV and Aids is ravaging our communities of parents who perish because of the disease; and leave their young children in the care of the elderly."

Ndabeni's statement came after Madikizela-Mandela said in an interview, to be aired on September 5, that one could not advise the youth to stick to one partner while the president had multiple wives.

- SAPA