Dignitaries and presidents from all over the world flew in to attend the funeral of anti-Apartheid icon, Winnie Mandizikela-Mandela.
The list of attendees included Civil Rights activist Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Naomi Campbell spoke during the ceremony, citing the women’s empowerment of Mandizikela-Mandela who also was known for her stylish fashion.
Jackson said that it was through Winnie Mandela that he learned about Nelson Mandela. He visited South Africa for the first time in 1979 to learn more about Apartheid through meetings with Madizikela-Mandela. He would be pivotal in mobilizing a global anti-Apartheid movement. Jackson was one of a few to receive Nelson Mandela after he was released after 27 years of imprisonment.
In a press conference while visiting Soweto during the week of morning Mandizikela-Mandela, Jackson emphasized, “she never stopped serving, she never stopped fighting … Winnie kept the movement alive.”
Scene outside of #WinnieMandela ‘s home in Soweto Friday as South Africa prepares to say farewell to “mother of the struggle.” #RIP #WinnieMandela #PUSHSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/X3Roxf57Kt
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 13, 2018
In a statement Farrakhan called Mandizikela-Mandela, “the heartbeat of the revolution.”
Campbell was close to the Mandela family, and considered an extended grand-daughter. Said Campbell at the funeral, “Winnie of course made many sacrifices … she was a heroine of a whole continent.”
Naomi Campbell paying tribute to Mama Winnie pic.twitter.com/qTKTJIEvVI
— SABC News Online (@SABCNewsOnline) April 14, 2018
On the live feed, several people asked about the absence of Barack and Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. The Obama’s attended the funeral of Nelson Mandela in 2013, while Winfrey has poured millions into educating South African girls in the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
