Winnie Mandela: African women urged to emulate her bravery, confidence, resilience

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has urged African women to emulate the bravery, confidence and resilience of late anti-apartheid fighter and former wife of late President Nelson Mandela, Winnie.

Mrs Ngozi Mba, the Acting Vice Chairperson, South East of the association made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday while reacting to the death of the freedom fighter.

According to Mba, Winnie Mandela aka Mama Afrika demonstrated resilience in fight against defunct apartheid in South Africa.

“Despite her marital problems, she stood by her ex husband and continued the fight against the oppression of white minority against South Africans which is worthy of emulation,’’ she said.

Mba, who is also the Zonal Secretary of NAWOJ, urged African women not to abandon their marriages in times of crisis but should remain resolute in pursuing their sociopolitical endeavours.

She prayed for the reposed soul of Winnie and urged her family and South Africans to bear the loss with fortitude.

In her tribute, the Executive Director of Women Information Network, Mrs Miriam Menkiti described late Winnie as a `strong woman and warrior in her own right’.

“She stood by her former husband Nelson Mandela throughout his stay in prison. Posterity will remember her role in bringing an end to the apartheid regime in South Africa.

“I recall her visit to Enugu in late 80s where I covered her arrival for Radio Nigeria. May her soul rest in peace, Amen,’’ she prayed.

The Programme Officer of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), Mrs Ijeoma Uzoma said the late Winnie remained dogged in the fight for freedom.

“She did not ride on the wings of anyone but was a navigator by all parameters. Your labour was iconic. Rest on Mama Afrika,’’ Uzoma said.

Winnie Madikizila Mandela, 81, died on April 2 in a Johannesburg Hospital after a protracted illness.