Winnie Mandela And Julius Malema
Editorial Piece by Thabo Mosia , Central News Political Editor.
Today marks the celebration of the 88th birthday of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a towering figure in South Africa’s liberation history, often referred to as the “Mother of the Nation.” Yet, even as the country reflects on her legacy, there is a growing sentiment that Winnie Mandela was sidelined and dishonoured by the very political establishment she helped build, particularly the African National Congress (ANC). Her contributions, both as a fearless fighter against apartheid and as a steadfast advocate for land and economic justice, were not adequately recognised during her lifetime by the ANC, while opposition parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have continued to celebrate and uphold her legacy in meaningful ways.
A Life Dedicated to Freedom
Born on 26 September 1936, Winnie Mandela’s life was defined by her relentless commitment to the liberation of black South Africans. She stood by her people through some of the darkest periods of apartheid, enduring persecution, imprisonment, and isolation. Despite these hardships, she remained a symbol of hope and defiance, fighting not just for political freedom but also for economic justice for the country’s black majority.
However, despite her integral role in the struggle, the ANC appeared to distance itself from her in the years following South Africa’s transition to democracy. This was most evident after 1994 when the ANC leadership began to emphasise reconciliation with white capital and landowners, sidelining the radical agenda that Winnie Mandela championed. Even as her health deteriorated, her sacrifices were largely forgotten by the party she had served for decades.
The EFF’s Commitment to Winnie Mandela’s Legacy
In stark contrast, the EFF, under the leadership of Julius Malema, has made it a point to honour Winnie Mandela’s legacy both in word and deed. Most notably, the EFF named its headquarters after her—the Winnie Madikizela Mandela House—a symbolic act that underscores their commitment to her radical vision for economic transformation. This decision was not just a tribute but a political statement, aligning the party with the struggle for land expropriation and economic justice, causes that Winnie Mandela fervently advocated for.
The EFF has also announced plans to build a new school named after her, the Winnie Mandela Combined School. These actions are part of the EFF’s broader effort to ensure that Winnie Mandela’s legacy is not only remembered but continues to inspire future generations to fight for the complete liberation of South Africans, particularly in terms of economic justice. Malema has often pointed out that the EFF’s stance on land expropriation without compensation aligns with what Winnie Mandela fought for, even when her own party ignored her calls for radical economic transformation.
The ANC’s Failure to Celebrate Her in Life
During her lifetime, Winnie Mandela was often vilified by the ANC. She was sidelined after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, with many within the party treating her as a political liability rather than the hero she was. She was accused of being too radical, her calls for the redistribution of land and wealth ignored in favour of policies that appeased white capital. Even after the fall of apartheid, Winnie Mandela remained a target for state persecution, facing charges that many viewed as politically motivated.
While the ANC now releases statements lauding her contributions, such gestures come too late. In life, Winnie Mandela was denied the respect she deserved from the very organisation she had sacrificed so much for. It is only after her death in 2018 that the ANC began to openly celebrate her legacy, but even this appears to be more about optics than genuine appreciation.
The official statement released by the ANC on the anniversary of her birth is filled with flowery praise, yet it fails to acknowledge the party’s role in sidelining her while she was still alive. The statement reads, “The ANC remembers her courage in the face of adversity… her immense personal sacrifice remains a beacon of hope.” However, for many South Africans, this praise rings hollow given the party’s actions while Winnie Mandela was alive.
A Missed Opportunity for Reconciliation
Winnie Mandela’s death on 2 April 2018 was a moment of national mourning. It was also an opportunity for the ANC to reflect on how it had treated one of its most loyal and courageous members. However, instead of acknowledging its failures, the party has continued to release empty platitudes without addressing the fundamental issues that Winnie Mandela fought for—issues like land redistribution, free education, and economic freedom.
In contrast, the EFF’s continued efforts to celebrate her life and legacy demonstrate a deeper understanding of what Winnie Mandela stood for. By naming their headquarters after her and committing to building a school in her name, the EFF is ensuring that her radical vision for South Africa lives on, even as the ANC distances itself from its more revolutionary roots.
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