Mkhize: Winnie was a soldier, revolutionary
Cooperative Governance Minister
Zweli Mkhize has described the passing of apartheid struggle stalwart Winnie
Madikizela-Mandela as the end of an era.
Mkhize was speaking outside Madikizela-Mandela’s home in Soweto on Tuesday.
Madikizela-Mandela passed away at Milpark hospital in Johannesburg at the age of 81.
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"We are losing some of the last very committed freedom fighters," said Mkhize.
He said South Africans need to heed the lessons from Madikizela-Mandela’s life and the fearless way in which she stood up against not only the apartheid regime but also the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC).
"She was never shy to criticize the leadership in the organisation when she thought things were not going right."
Mkhize said the ANC needs more leaders who are willing to hold each other accountable.
"Her passion for supporting the youth has always been a hallmark for her guidance to the organisation."
Mkhize says South Africans will forever remember Madikizela-Mandela's calm spirit and resilience.
"We want to say to her, farewell soldier, farewell revolutionist, and farewell mother of the nation."