The Northern Cape Provincial Government together with the people of the Province mourn the passing of our beloved mother of the nation, Ma Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The news of the passing of undoubtedly one of the most remarkable women in the world was received with great sadness and loss. Mamma Winnie as the late Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela-Mandela was affectionately known was a beautiful, strong, proud and fearless woman. Her contribution to the liberation of South Africa will forever be etched in our memory. We shall also never forget what difficulties she had to endure and what great sacrifice she made to see a free, equal and just South Africa come to fruition.
There are few people who have had such a profound impact on the future direction of humanity than the Mother of the Nation, Mamma Winnie. Her purposeful defiance in the face of adversity sets her in the league of the greatest. It is as a tribute to her passionate determination that so many people feel such a deep sense of loss at her passing.
On behalf of the people of the Northern Cape I wish to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the daughters of Mamma Winnie and their extended family. She was your mother through birth, but she was also the mother of the nation and we will forever honour her memory and legacy.
We will be working closely with National Government to ensure that the planned State Funeral reflects the nation’s highest regard for the mother of the nation. The official mourning period and the State Funeral is an opportunity for all South Africans and the international community to mourn the loss we all feel and to celebrate Mamma Winnie’s extraordinary life and contribution to all of humanity.