Mama Winnie Mandela would have ensured unity in ANC, says Ramaphosa
African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa believes the late Winnie Madikizela- Mandela would have been at the forefront of ensuring unity in the party.
Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address at a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Madikizela-Mandela at the Fourways Memorial Park, north of Johannesburg, where members of the Mandela family and other ANC national leaders joined him.
Friday marks the third anniversary of the passing of the struggle veteran.
He lauded Madikizela-Mandela for always putting the party’s interest ahead of her own.
Ramaphosa admitted the party is going through a difficult time.
“We are going through a difficult time economically and politically. Comrade Winnie Madikizela-Mandela would have been at the forefront, arguing that we need to continue with the project of uniting the ANC, because when you unite the ANC, in actual fact, you unite the South African nation,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they had to visit her grave to draw inspiration and to learn to put the party's interest ahead of the personal.
“Today we remember a person who put the interests of the African National Congress ahead of her own. Coming here means drawing inspiration from a great memory of the life of Winnie Madikizela Mandela. Her name will endure and remain prominent in the annals of our great movement.
“As the people of South Africa, we have been blessed to have had great women leaders who dedicated themselves - their time, effort, and talent - to enable us to bask in the freedom that they fought so hard for.”
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