As tributes for the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela continue to pour in from all over the world, Ekurhuleni\u2019s mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina reflects on the life and times of this iconic woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cMama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a revolutionary and the mother of our nation,\u201d he said in a statement.<\/p>
\u201cA selfless fighter, feminist and struggle icon that sacrificed the best years of her life to the emancipation of all South Africans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recall the countless ways Mama Winnie\u2019s years of activism altered the course of South Africa\u2019s future and touched the lives of ordinary citizens.<\/p>
\u201cDuring her golden years, she stood as a fountain of wisdom to all political leaders and remained anchored in the principles of freedom and equality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Masina commented on how the metro was privileged to have developed a long-standing relationship with the late Madikizela-Mandela.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the 1980\u2019s Mama Winnie helped set up self-defence units in various townships in and around the former East Rand, as a response to the sporadic violence during the Apartheid era.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the dawn of our new democracy, she cast her vote on 27 April 1994 in Phola Park, Tokoza on the East Rand as a result of her close activism in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2016, Madikizela-Mandela was granted the highest honour of the metro, The Freedom of the City Award, in honour of her contributions during South Africa\u2019s liberation struggle.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a city, we shall continue preserving her legacy,\u201d said Masina.<\/p>\n
He further offered his and the city\u2019s condolences to the Mandela family, \u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with you.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn her memory, the metro will seek to continue Mama Winnie\u2019s dedication towards alleviating youth unemployment and socio-economic transformation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n