The passing on of the freedom struggle stalwart, Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela, on Monday 2 April 2018 has shaken many who were still wishing for her insightful guidance. She was one of the few remaining women struggle veterans whose contribution has changed the landscape of politics in South Africa and how the world viewed the country. The National Heritage Council (NHC) of South Africa is saddened by her departure.

“We were still looking forward to preserve her legacy through the establishment of her foundation that which she wanted to focus on the plight of the girl child”, says Sonwabile Mancotywa, CEO of the NHC.

Mama Winnie Mandela was the first woman to receive the Ubuntu Honour. Only a few outstanding citizens of the globe were recipients of the Ubuntu Honour in the past years: Nelson Mandela (2006), Kenneth Kaunda (2007), Fidel Castro (2008), Boutros Boutros-Ghali and King Sabata Dalindyebo (2009), Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (2011), Miriam Makeba (2013), Julius Nyerere (2014) and Mfengu Makhalima (2017). The honour was withheld in 2010 in favour of hosting a national conference entitled “Reclaiming the values of a just and caring society.

The NHC, on behalf of the heritage community, is passing sincere condolences to the family and the nation.

Media statement issued by the National Heritage Council (NHC)