'Winnie was a big, big tree'
Former president Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel and
Winnie Madikizela Mandela granddaughter Ndileka Mandela have paid tribute to
the late struggle stalwart at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.
They spoke at a memorial hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The event was also attended by the likes of Deputy Chief Justice Zondo, former finance minister Trevor Manuel and Minister of Public Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo.
In a moving tribute, Machel said Madikizela-Mandela's presence will be greatly missed by her daughters.
"I also want to say something which has made my pain even heavier: Zenani and Zindzi grew up under Mama's wings. Yes, with all what we know, while she was at home or prison or wherever she was, but Mama was there for them.
"So for Zeni and Zindzi, Mama is a big, big tree they leaned on for their lives. The whole of their lives."
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Ndileka Mandela, Madiba's eldest granddaughter, said her family is battling to come to terms with Mam' Winnie's passing.
"My cousins and aunts are as gutted as I am, but I felt it necessary to honour this occasion.
"We called her big mommy. We are still gutted, it is still very sore. Mommy took us by surprise. As a family we would like to say: We still need you and need your support."
Various memorials will take place across the country this week, as a build up to Mam' Winnie's funeral on Saturday.
A memorial service will also take place in Brandfort later this week, where Mam Winnie lived when she was banished by the apartheid government.
The service, organised by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), will take place at the Brandfort Majwe Masweu Hall.