Winnie Madikizela Mandela died on this day in 2018 at the age of 81. In honour of her fight against apartheid and oppression, we share this fiery and passionate speech from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema at Orlando Stadium in Soweto during her memorial service. In his eulogy, Malema hailed Winnie, whom he warmly referred to as ‘Mama,’ as a fearless anti-apartheid activist. But he also took the opportunity to call out individuals he believed had betrayed her during her lifetime. Malema pointed the finger at African National Congress (ANC) figures who were praising Winnie at her funeral but who had previously abandoned, vilified and undermined her. In particular, he lashed out at the United Democratic Front (UDF) – an anti-apartheid coalition (operative 1983-1991, mostly while the ANC was banned) that had publicly disowned Winnie amid allegations her bodyguards had been involved in a murder and kidnapping case (one of them was indeed later convicted of murder). You can hear those he attacks in the crowd boo, but the packed stadium was overwhelmingly behind Μalema as he defended Winnie Mandela’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle. What do you make of his speech?
Video credit: SABC News
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