Madikizela-Mandela was 'a champion of justice': Ramaphosa
South Africa and the world is mourning the death of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela - affectionately described by many as "The Mother of the Nation."
The 81-year-old struggle icon passed away in hospital in Johannesburg yesterday.
According to the family's spokesperson, she had been battling a kidney infection.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the former freedom fighter will be laid to rest at a state funeral on the 14th of April. He visited her family at her Soweto home last night.
"There will be an official memorial service on the 11th. Then again, there will be many other memorial functions right across the country, in almost every province," he said.
Paying tribute to the activist, Ramaphosa said Nelson Mandela's former wife was a "voice of defiance" during the apartheid era.
"In the midst of repression, Winnie was a voice of defiance and resistance. In the face of exploitation, she was a champion of justice and equality. Throughout her life, she made an everlasting contribution to the struggle through sacrifice and her unyielding determination. She remained throughout her life, a tireless advocate for the dispossessed and marginalised. She was a voice for the voiceless," Ramaphosa said.
The president said he last shared a meal with Madikizela-Mandela after taking her to register last month for the 2019 elections.
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