Winnie was a hero, legend, mother of Africa — PDP South Africa

The South African chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party says the death of Winnie Mandela, former wife of anti-apartheid hero and ex-South African President, the late Nelson Mandela as a great lost to Africa.
Winnie, 81, passed away on April 2 in Johannesburg.
The party’s chairman, Ekos Akpokabayen, told the News Agency of Nigeria on telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday that “the deceased risked everything to ensure freedom for her people.
Akpokabayen said: “The South Africa chapter of the PDP joins the whole of South Africa and the entire African continent in mourning Mama Winnie who died on April 2, 2018.
“Winnie, no doubt, was a great icon for the whole of the continent, especially for women.
“She stood up at a time when it meant losing everything and even her life and this reality did not matter to her.
“She was prepared to lose everything to fight for the freedom of her people and so she did.’’
The chairman described Winnie as a compassionate and social worker who cared for her people and inspired many in South Africa and on the entire continent.
Akpokabayen added: “At times, she was the voice and the symbol of defiance to the evil apartheid government.
“In isolation, in confinement, in castration, Winnie always showed strength and she never let the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ depart from her.
“Winnie groomed so many young leaders and always spoke the truth.
She sacrificed everything; was tortured, humiliated, beaten, accused but never defeated.’’
Akpokabayen said Winnie was a hero, legend and mother of Africa.
He said: “She had been an inspiration to me personally. We love her so dearly and thank her for what she was; what she did and for everything she accomplished in her lifetime.
“She will always remain in our hearts and we know the tears in our eyes will hardly stop because of her passing.’’