African leaders and celebrities have led tributes to South
African anti-apartheid campaigner Winnie Mandela who has died aged 81.
The
former wife of South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela was,
along with her husband, an international symbol of resistance against
white-minority rule.
Here are some of the reactions to her death:
- Anti-oppression symbol
Desmond Tutu, Nobel laureate archbishop:
"She
refused to be bowed by the imprisonment of her husband, the perpetual
harassment of her family by security forces, detentions, bannings and
banishment. Her courageous defiance was deeply inspirational to me, and
to generations of activists."
- Resilience and courage
Ace Magashule, Secretary General of African National Congress:
"We
mourn the passing of this great patriot and Pan Africanist, whose
resilience and courage inspired freedom struggles not only in South
Africa, but across Africa and her diaspora. Comrade Madikizela-Mandela
dedicated her life to the betterment of her people and she worked for
this realisation right until the end of her life."
"She
was an inspiration to both young and old who shared her vision of an
egalitarian, prosperous and free South Africa — and generations of
activists not just in South Africa but around the world today deeply
mourn her as we do."
- Fearless campaigner
Moussa Faki Mahama, African Union commission head:
"The
entire @_AfricanUnion family joins the Continent and beyond in grief at
the passing of Ma Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who will forever be
remembered as a global icon, a fearless campaigner who sacrificed much
of her life for freedom in South Africa and for women everywhere."
- Indebted to Winnie
Professor Njabulo Ndebele, Nelson Mandela Foundation Chairman:
"She
was a member of a generation of leaders which survived the most brutal
period of state terror in apartheid South Africa... All South Africans
are indebted to Mama Winnie, whether they acknowledge it or not. From
the witness of her life, we knew we could stand tall; we knew also we
could falter and stumble. Either condition was an affirmation of life.
Her cry was our cry, and in 2018 we can say we did triumph."
- Uncommon determination
Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian President:
"She
was a woman of uncommon determination, steadfastness and perseverance
who held aloft the torch of the struggle against institutionalised
discrimination even while her ex-husband, the late Madiba, President
Nelson Mandela was incarcerated... she remained a pride not only to the
African woman, but indeed all Africans."
- Inspiration to millions
Raila Odinga, Kenya opposition leader:
"Winnie
Madikizela Mandela... led a bitter and dedicated struggle against the
brutal Apartheid regime in South Africa, holding fort when her then
husband Nelson Mandela was in detention."
"In
the course of the courageous struggle, Winnie became an inspiration to
millions across the world who were fighting for freedom and dignity of
their people. She particularly inspired women to move to the frontlines
of struggles for justice and freedom across the world."
- Liberation of a nation
Idris Elba, actor:
"Rest
in peace Mama Winnie. My heart is heavy right now. You lived a full and
important life contributing to the liberation of a nation by force and
ACTUAL ACTIVISM. You will never be forgotten."
- Woman of strength
Naomi Campbell, actress:
"I
cherish the times I spent with you, embracing me in your family &
home. You were Woman of strength that endured so much hardship and
sacrifice. Without you we would not know anything about Tata and his 27
years. You will remain in my heart!! R.I.P WINNIE MANDELA"
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