The Acting President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga has sent a message of condolences to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the passing on of Cde Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on the 2nd of April at the age of 81.
In a statement Acting President Chiwenga described Winnie Mandela as a liberation struggle icon and veteran stalwart of the ruling African National Congress of South Africa.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Zimbabwe, Zanu PF party and on my own behalf, I wish to express our deepest condolences to Your Excellency and through you to the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, the ANC as well the Madikizela and Mandela families on the loss of this legendary heroine,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
The Acting President said Cde Madikizela-Mandela will be remembered for her bravery and numerous sacrifices she made in the epic struggle against the inhuman apartheid, a struggle for which she suffered personal humiliation, house arrests, banishment, solitary confinement and prolonged disruption of family life.
“Inspite of all these brutal attempts by the apartheid regime to break her resistance, she remained strong and resolute. She became the leader and personification of the internal opposition to apartheid,” he said.
Acting President Chiwenga said in Cde Madikizela-Mandela Zimbabwe had friend and Cde in arms to rely on.
He expressed confidence that the people of South Africa, ANC and the Madikizela-Mandela family will find solace in her rich legacy bequeathed to them all and to those still fighting for liberation against forces of oppression.- state media