NATIONAL NEWS - Political party leaders have called for South African flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of ANC stalwart and freedom fighter Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Bantu Holomisa, Madikizela-Mandela’s friend and protege of her late husband, Nelson Mandela, paid tribute to struggle veteran Winnie who, he said, was a feisty and vocal freedom fighter, who did not hesitate to speak her mind.

“She also sacrificed almost three decades of her life during which she and uTata should have been free to go about their daily lives as a normal family, with human rights and civil liberties,” said the United Democratic Movement president.

“But that was not this couple’s fate; they had a higher calling.

“She sometimes made for a controversial figure and – whether one agreed with her views or not – one must admire the fact that she never lacked the courage of her convictions. She called a spade a shovel –and then some. She was strong, passionate, articulate and charismatic. She did not shirk confrontation, but also had a sense of humour and a light-hearted side.”

As then Transkei military ruler, Holomisa worked closely with Madikizela-Mandela, who frequently visited the homeland to pass messages to him from the exiled ANC leadership.

Her close associate and EFF leader Julius Malema reacted with a tweet consisting of only emojis representing sadness, crying, and a broken heart.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane said it was a “sad day” for SA.

Read more on the Caxton publication, The Citizen.