Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings has paid a glowing tribute to late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist in south Africa and the former wife of late President Nelson Mandela.
Mr Rawlings described late Mandela as “the bravest of the brave” who carried her defiance with quiet dignity.
In his own words the former Ghanaian military leader said:”Winnie was one of the few who no doubt knew the liberating effect of being reborn out of the fear of death, and being truly prepared to fearlessly live and die for a cause.
Late Winnie Mandela died at the age of 81. The outspoken campaigner was known as the “Mother of the Nation” because of her struggle against white minority rule in South Africa. She was a member of South Africa’s parliament at the time of her death.
Below is the full Tribute by fmr. President Rawlings
WINNIE MANDELA WAS THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE
A Tribute By H. E. Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Ghana
Winnie was the bravest of the brave. She carried her defiance with quiet dignity. She did not wait for others, nor did she need the courage of numbers. The fight against the apartheid regime was not for the faint-hearted. They were devious, wicked and callous.
Winnie was one of the few who no doubt knew the liberating effect of being reborn out of the fear of death, and being truly prepared to fearlessly live and die for a cause.
Her lonely strength finally won the admiration of those who had been cowed, to wake up to their roles in those dangerous days. The infectious courage of her conviction led to her being effectively isolated for years. And even as the spirit of liberation was becoming more and more evident, the intensity of her courage, defiance and outspokenness still kept her a lonely figure. Understandably, she had little tolerance for weak opportunists.
Winnie’s fearlessness and absolute candour elevated her well above most of us. You cannot possibly go through what Winnie went through alone and still continue to trust and respect others as you do your very own self. Finding people of a similar nature is rare and can only come from those who would have suffered the same fate.
So much is owed to Winnie. Sadly a good number of those who benefitted the most from her pain and struggle did not see their way clear and early enough to give her what was her due.
Let us make the effort to understand and acknowledge her superiority. Nothing pleases us more than to know that she and Mandela restored their spiritual bond, respect and admiration known to only those who dared to walk the plank.
Winnie and Mandela gave each other what we couldn’t give them – the richness and tranquility of their love; the spiritual peace and sanctity of their reunion in those final months and moments.
On behalf of Nana, Zanetor, Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi, I express our sincere condolences to the family, friends and all who in diverse ways were partners in the painful struggle for freedom.
Fare thee well Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. God be with you.
