Winnie Mandela was my hero. I admired, loved and adored her.
While her departure left me heart sore, I find solace knowing she is in a better place among better people, people that are not judgmental, not hateful, not self-righteous and not hypocrite. uTata Mandela must have welcomed her with arms wide open, with a charming smile and his well-known happy dance.
I salute and stand in awe of Winnie’s royal majestic legacy. Lala ngoxolo, Qhawekazi Lamaqhawe?!
The world needs more women of Mama Winnie's calibre.
She was young – don’t let age hold you back. She was a woman – don’t let gender issues deter you. She was a pioneer – she got educated during a patriarchal time when education for girls wasn’t a priority.
She was courageous – she left home for the unknown, in pursuit of a better today and tomorrow. She was aware – she was in touch with current issues. She was bold – she saw the need for change and rose to the challenge.
She was powerful – she could have stirred a war but brought peace instead and became the sacrificial lamb. She was humble – never demanded nor criticised the lack of recognition for her contribution to the liberation movement. She was gracious – in adversary, abuse, false accusations and atrocities, she remained still.
She loved her people – she saw injustice and said, "not in my presence". She was selfless – she gave up her life so that others could have a better one. She was a mother – she nurtured an entire nation. She was a wife – she used her influence to bring change and a better life for all.
She was content – oppression robbed her of the joy of being a new bride, democracy robbed her of the honour of ever becoming First Lady, but none of these broke her spirit. She knew she was self-sufficient in life, able to self-refresh, self renew and self empower without having to take from or rely on another's.
She was blessed with a calling – pursued it with passion, despite the risk of making mistakes, of being framed for defeat, of becoming unpopular, of standing alone. She was loyal – even when allies became enemies and turned their backs on her, she remained loyal to the cause.
Winnie Mandela made a difference – she set the course for the next generation. But above all, she was divinely favoured – blessed with long life; bestowed an even greater honour than First Lady, she was the Mother of the Nation!
Looking at the current state of affairs in the world, the world needs more leaders with Mama Winnie's calibre. Someone who will say, "no, not in my presence", to racism, poverty, intolerance, incohesion, international animosity, and stirring of civil and global war.
We are in need of leaders who will bring peace, even when one's ego demands war and justice. We need leaders who will preserve life over bloodshed, even when rights and justice justify otherwise.
Winnie Mandela's resilience brought South Africa peace.
Imagine if America had a gracious Winnie Mandela in their current diplomatic and global trade spats. Imagine if Israel and Palestine had a content and selfless Winnie Mandela. Imagine if Europe and Asia had a nurturing Winnie Mandela.
Imagine each part of the world having a Winnie Mandela. Now imagine, world peace.
Long lives the spirit of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, long live Winnie!
