Winnie should have been president, says Malema

"South Africans, because we failed to defend her while she was still alive, the least we can do is to defend her in her death and not allow the racists to insult her," Malema said after visiting the home of Madikizela-Mandela in Soweto.

The leader of the red berets was accompanied by scores of supporters on Tuesday afternoon.

Malema had a close relationship with Madikizela-Mandela even after he was kicked out of the African National Congress (ANC). 

He believes Madikizela-Mandela should have been president of the country but "those who are in the pockets of white minority control joined the white minority to destroy her". 

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Former president Jacob Zuma also came in for criticism. 

"Winnie Mandela wanted to stand against Jacob Zuma in Mafikeng, that is when they destroyed Winnie, and that's how Zuma became to be the president," Malema said. 

He vowed that they will act against "the men in the ANC who were threatened by a woman and the whites by an African woman."

The Madikizela-Mandela family spokesperson Themba Matanzima confirmed that the struggle icon will be burred in Fourways on April 14.

Various memorial services will be held across the country this week.