A posthumous honorary Social Work doctorate has been conferred on the late anti-apartheid activist Mama Winnie-Madikizela-Mandela in recognition of her role in the struggle, by the Walter Sisulu University.
Madikizela- Mandela obtained a Social Science Degree in 1956 and practised as a social worker. She died on the 2nd April this year at the age of 81 before the university could bestow the doctorate on her personally.
Accepting the doctorate on her late mother’s behalf, Zenani Dlamini says her mother was a fighter.
“It was tough, I remember what she had to face. In one instance a lot of black children were shot and I was there to see for myself. Mama was there to try and fight for them. It was not easy.”
WSU is the only higher learning institution in South Africa to bestow such an honour on the late icon. Vice chancellor at Walter Sisulu University, Rob Midgely says they are proud.
“We are proud of what she’s done we saw it fitting to confer her with this honour. She has done so much for our people and in the social work space. It was only befitting that we honour her.”
Outgoing SRC president Mxolisi Zoko says Mama Winnie was not honoured enough.
“We are glad and it is an honour for us. We just feel sad it happened after she has passed on, we would have loved have her receive the honour. We are really honoured to have someone who was the first black person to receive a degree in social science.”
Madikizela- Mandelawas born and raised at Mbhongweni village, near Mbizana. Mama Winnie rose to prominence as a liberation icon.
She is remembered as a gallant fighter.
