REGRETTABLE REMARKS BY MADIKIZELA-MANDELA
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is revered by many, often being called "the mother of the nation". She has demonstrated an ability to survive the harshest circumstances, and negative criticism does not really affect her adversely, it rather strengthens her resolve.
But her recent remarks to ITV about the ANC leadership's visit to Madiba in April 2013, is really regrettable. As a former first lady, but even after that, she is supposed to be familiar with protocol. Even when Chief Mandla Mandela was questioned by the media on his grandfather's health three weeks ago, the Chief said that the media should enquire from the Presidency; as protocol dictates that the Presidency make announcements on the issue. Even if the family has issued a statement, the country would have understood and appreciated the effort. But the Chief's insistence that protocol be observed, is testimony to what their grandfather has taught the family.
In 2009, the ANC organised its usual Siyangqoba rally prior to the general elections. At that time, the DA tried to make people think that Madiba is a national icon that belongs to everyone; much like they are trying, in vain, to achieve with this so-called "Know your DA" campaign of them. Madiba, at the time, wanted to make it clear that he belongs principally, to the African National Congress, and his service to the country and citizens, is subject to his service to the ANC.
He made it clear that, despite his frail health, that he wanted to attend the rally. Although the logistics for the rally in i-Dutywa (Eastern Cape) was well underway, the ANC leadership wanted to move the rally to Johannesburg, to make it easier for the elder statesman. However, upon being told of this, Madiba insisted that the rally goes ahead in the Eastern Cape. He then planned a trip to Qunu, which first saw him attending Siyangqoba.
Nelson Mandela is known to be very stubborn about the way in which things are being done, and I became spell-bound under this determination in 2009. Here is a man, not in good health, his doctors advising against travelling. And while everyone is trying to accommodate him, he insists on being there where the action is.
It would be proper for the President of the Republic to ensure South Africans, and indeed the world, that Madiba is doing well, when the time calls for it. However, we have seen the President recently being very open and honest, telling the nation that our icon is not doing well. How can one than fault him for what happened in April?
Indeed, as Jackson Mthembu stated, this issue never came up before. One has to ask, why now? Last week, the family asked Chief Patekile Holomisa to act as spokesperson for the family. Now, all of a sudden, we see Mama Winnie, speaking directly to an international news agency. In my humble opinion, this seem very, very suspect.
MOEGAMAT SHAREEF BLANKENBERG
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