The international community is mourning with South Africa over the passing of its respected struggle icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela . On Monday afternoon the story of her death also caught the attention of international media and influential people globally.
Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, described Madikizela-Mandela’s death as a huge loss to Africa. President Buhari, on behalf of the Govt and people of Nigeria, commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Govt and people of South Africa, urging them to be consoled by the knowledge that the late Winnie Mandela’s contributions to ending apartheid will not be forgotten.
“The President noted that she was a woman of uncommon determination, steadfastness and perseverance who held aloft the torch of the struggle against institutionalised discrimination even while her ex-husband, the late Madiba, President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.”
See below some of the reactions SABC correspondent in New York, Sherwin Bryce-Pease gathered…
From the New York Times: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a Tarnished Leader of South Africa’s Liberation, Dies at 81 https://t.co/g1yrrCEKeh
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) April 2, 2018
In the darkest hours of the struggle to free South Africa, with Nelson Mandela in prison, the face of hope and courage was #Winnie Mandela. May she forever rest in #Power. pic.twitter.com/VrJ6PjMr1F
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 2, 2018
UNSG reaction to passing of #WinnieMandela: “The Secretary General is saddened by the passing of Ms. Winnie Madikizela Mandela, a leading figure at the forefront of the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. #sabcnews
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) April 2, 2018
Rest in power, #WinnieMandela. You did your best in a maddening, impossible hell — one that broke, killed or oppressed millions. You kept fighting when others would have given up or given in. You won and lost everything. Only God can judge you now. #RIPwinniemadikizelamandela
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) April 2, 2018
#WinnieMandela dies at the age of 81
Winnie is the former wife of SA’s first Black president #NelsonMandela. She was an international symbol of resistance to apartheid and stood for Black township residents who proclaimed their freedom. Her legacy will continued to be honored. pic.twitter.com/m1bP0L1s5E
— Atlanta Black Star (@ATLBlackStar) April 2, 2018
Despite all odds, @winniemandela fought courageously against all forms of oppression. Today, we carry the torch & continue to work towards a more equal & just world. ✊?
R.I.P. Winnie Mandela pic.twitter.com/DiA3xsm0Y5
— UN Women (@UN_Women) April 2, 2018