On Friday, a group of black female students at Stellenbosch University (SU) took to the Rooiplein to honour the late anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as part of the #IamWinnieMandela campaign.
The African National Congress (ANC) called on all South Africans to don black attire with a “doek” in order to commemorate the life of the “Mother of the Nation” as she was fondly known.
Madikizela-Mandela passed away last week at the age of 81 following a long illness, according to a statement released by the family. She was admired by many for her robust leadership, fiery rhetoric and activism. But, she was also repeatedly accused of violence and corruption that created negative perceptions about her over the years, making her a controversial figure.
Stellenbosch University students gather to commemorate the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela PHOTO: Grace Ombaku
Maambele Khosa (22), a final year BSC Geo-Informatics student, decided to mobilise young women on campus to honour the memory of Madikizela-Mandela and inspire women to serve others as part of their duty to society. “She didn’t just die, she multiplied,” Khosa said, echoing the words spoken about the struggle stalwart over the past week on social media.
According to Liana Maheso (22), a BA International Studies student, Madikizela-Mandela was one of the very first people to support students when the Fees Must Fall-movement began in 2015. “Mam’ Winnie protected students and the vision of free education at a time when everyone forgot what the struggle meant and the liberation that everyone fought for back in the day, which shows her fire and fearlessness.”
Lethiwe Mbatha (23), a Masters candidate at the Centre for Urban Regional Planning and Statistical Exploration said, “I believe that when a legend of her calibre passes on to glory, there must be a celebration day, as she fought her fight, remained strong until the end and we can only learn from that.”
The same group has organised a memorial service on the Rooiplein at 13:40 on Thursday.
Mbatha expressed her gratitude towards Madikizela-Mandela and the pivotal role that she played in the struggle. It was important to familiarise herself with other black females on campus and come together in unity, she added.
#AllBlackWithADoek campaign at Stellenbosch University -PHOTO: Grace Ombaku
Awarding winning writer and filmmaker Sylvia Vollenhoven said: “Wearing a ‘doek’ to honour the passing of someone who has touched our lives is a simple yet powerful reminder of who we are as Africans.
“It binds us together in a manner that is beautiful and nurturing and reminds us of the feminine divine which we have always been connected with,” she added. Vollenhoven is one of many who shared her personal journey with Madikizele-Mandela this past week.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held its own memorial service in Brandfort on the same day the official service was held at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. Madikizela-Mandela was banished to Brandfort by the Apartheid regime in 1977 where she spent 10 years.
EFF leader, Julius Malema, describes the struggle veteran as being like a mother to him. “The spear has fallen and we are here to pick up that spear and continue the fight,” Malema said speaking outside Madikizela-Mandela’s home last week Tuesday.
Madikizela-Mandela will be laid to rest on Saturday in Fourways and President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver a eulogy at her funeral.
Visuals of the gathering of Stellenbosch University students on the Rooiplein to commemorate the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in all black with a “doek”.
Stellenbosch students commemorate Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s life
-Judy Philander & Jody-Lynn Taylor