Victims of the Sebokeng night vigil massacre in 1991 have paid tribute to the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. They labelled her an advocate for the people and a ball of strength for those unable to help themselves.
It was at the height of turmoil in South Africa when the Zone 7 township in Sebokeng suffered a gruesome massacre. That is the night when 39 mourners were killed at a vigil for ANC member, Chris Nangelembe.
“I saw seven men approaching and they started shooting at us. As I turned, what I saw was disgusting. I heard people screaming and some losing their lives,” says surviving victim Mlungisi Thwala.
After the fateful night, once again, Mama Winnie was one of the first people on the scene. “Mama Winnie came with Mandela and the others. They came to address the people and calm us down. They showed us the calibre of people they are, that they were selfless, protecting their supporters, unlike most leaders we have today,” says Chris Nangelembe’s niece, Jabu Nangelembe.
For the victims Mama Winnie’s death would open those wounds. Click below for more on the story:
