The state funeral service of legendary struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela took place on Saturday 14 April at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Some of the speakers at the funeral included President Cyril Ramaphosa, fashion icon and model Naomi Campbell and EFF leader Julius Malema. Malema shook the stadium with his fiery speech that became a trending topic on social media. Here are some of the highlights from Mam’ Winnie’s funeral:
Julius Malema’s passionate speech
Malema said: “I am here not so much to bury Mama, because Queen Mothers do not die, they multiply into a million red flowers of love and freedom.” He told the crowd that he was there to speak on behalf of the “dejected masses of our people”. He continued: “You [Mama Winnie] trusted that your mission of putting the country first was embraced by an organization you loved but Mama you did not know that your organization had been rendered incapable of loving you back.”
“Equally big Mama, some of those who sold you to the regime are here and are crying louder than all of us who stood by you. The UDF cabal that distanced itself from you is here crying crocodile tears after disowning you at a critical moment hoping the regime will finish you off.”
Julius Malema speech at the #WinnieMandelaFuneral waiting for ur signal Mama #JuliusMalemaChallenge pic.twitter.com/MzuSmUhIjm
— KS (@KwaneleSandiswa) April 16, 2018
Twitter went wild to trying to pinpoint who he was referring to:
In pics betrayals, sell-outs….we see you. #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/7znuMPKglG
— byday (@cbuddyc) April 15, 2018
The call for a Madikizela-Mandela airport
Malema called for the Cape Town International Airport to be named after Madikizela Mandela. He said: “If it is true that the ANC wants to honour you, let them name Cape Town Airport after Winnie Mandela.” This led to people posting pictures of the suggested airport name change.
I love South Africa, Cape Town International Airport is now officially Winnie Madikizela-Mandela International Airport #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/NmYlFaLUkd
— Hennessey (@Hennie_rsa) April 14, 2018
Alleged scuffle between EFF members and Police’s VIP protection unit
Police are reportedly investigating an alleged scuffle between Police VIP protection unit and EFF members Julius Malema and fellow Member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. This is after images began circulating of the two surrounded by members of the army and police. They were allegedly denied entry to the Fourways Memorial Park where Madikizela-Mandela was laid to rest.
Even the useless Army Generals dismally failed to prevent the resilient and the most fearless CiC and the President of @EFFSouthAfrica @Julius_S_Malema and the Spokesperson Dr @MbuyiseniNdlozi from entering the Fourways Memorial park where his Mom was to be laid to rest. POWER✊ pic.twitter.com/6DTkojgVgn
— Mpho Edward Morokolo (@edwardkolobe) April 15, 2018
When it rains it pours
As with her former husband Nelson Mandela’s funeral, the rain poured down on the day of Madikizela-Mandela’s send-off.
Julius: Mama give us a signal….
Mama Winnie: Say no more son…#WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/CaGa08SMab— Andani Libago (@Libacs) April 14, 2018
#WinnieMandelaFuneral
ON THE ROAD TO FOURWAYS PARK. THESE PICTURES ARE GOING DOWN TO HISTORY. 🇿🇦💓
photo cred: @MelBala— thuto. ひ (@th2to) April 14, 2018
My confirmation Mama is well in her new forever.. my ride home from Fourways… Thank You again and again Mama #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/TwJnUDpEvq
— Tracey Meth (@Treofchoc) April 14, 2018
Winnie’s final resting place
Madikizela Mandela was laid to rest at Fourways Memorial Park.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and family members pay their last respects at the burial of Mama #WinnieMadikizelaMandela #WinneMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/7VHwrB2rE8
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 15, 2018
The late struggle stalwart Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been laid to rest at the Fourways Memorial Park. #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/TYcu7d7sAn
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 15, 2018
The Special Official Mama #WinnieMandelaFuneral currently underway in Orlando Stadium, Soweto pic.twitter.com/4En6Bg1v8K
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 14, 2018
Good morning South Africa. We wish you a blessed Sunday. pic.twitter.com/fDUq5VqGyI
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 15, 2018
