NATIONAL NEWS - The memorial service honouring the life and times of struggle heroine Winnie Madikizela-Mandela will take place at Orlando Stadium next week, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on state and official funerals confirmed on Thursday.
“In consultation with Mrs Madikizela-Mandela’s family, the government will host a memorial service at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, on Wednesday, April 11 followed by a funeral service on April 14 at the same venue,” said IMC’s chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Dlamini-Zuma, who is also minister in the presidency for planning, monitoring and evaluation, said the change from the original venue of Regina Mundi Catholic Church is due to the size of the venue.
“The change was made after the consideration of the size of the venue and the people expected to attend the memorial service,” she told journalists gathered at a media briefing at Orlando Stadium.
The IMC on state and official funerals – which also includes ministers of communications Nomvula Mokonyane, state security Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba and cooperative governance and traditional affairs Zweli Mkhize – thanked everyone across the globe for their overwhelming show of support following the passing of Mama Winnie, as she was affectionately known.
Madikizela-Mandela passed away on Easter Monday at Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after a long illness that saw her being in and out of the hospital since the start of the year.
Dlamini-Zuma said the government has witnessed how people from all walks of life, including the media, are coming together to celebrate and reflect on the selfless sacrifices made by Mama Winnie.
This, said the minister, bears testimony that her legacy and fight for equality and justice will continue as a hallmark of our common endeavour for justice.
The government further acknowledged the messages of support that have been received from various heads of states and eminent persons across the globe ahead of Mama Winnie’s funeral next weekend.
The minister said the government is preparing for dignitaries from around the globe, who want to attend the funeral.
“The department of international relations and cooperation is the one receiving the confirmations of those who would like to come,” she said.
