The Provost of American University of Nigeria, Professor Muhammadou Kah, has described Winnie Mandela as a formidable and phenomenal heroine, whose commitment, contributions, leadership and centrality to the resistance to apartheid is second to none.
Kah made the remark at the memorial service held in her honour at American University of Nigeria last Friday.
Winnie Mandela died at the age of 81 and her remains were interred at a highly attended ceremony in South Africa last Saturday amidst eulogies.
Provost Kah, who stood in for President Dawn Dekle, said Winnie represented the people of South Africa to her death, spoke up against injustice regardless of who was in power.
He added that she was a brave, driven, courageous and selfless woman, who stood firmly and said no to oppression.
“We all grew up seeing her as a symbol of hope, selflessness, courage, strength, passion, enthusiasm, dignity, with a huge capacity for leadership and a relentless quest and commitment for freedom for her peoples.
“She never claimed to be perfect in her approach and tactics to activism and demands for the human rights of her peoples, especially when the heat was up and intense, and within the context of the brutality of the apartheid regime.
“She stood firm to the end! Indeed, her spirit lives on, and through you, she multiplies,” the globally acclaimed Professor of Information Systems stated.
Other dignitaries including the Dean of Students, Byron Bullock, graced the occasion.
Bullock who also spoke at the occasion spoke about memorable encounters with the late activist in her hometown of Soweto and in his native United States.
Assistant Professor of English Language and published author, Dr. Agatha Ukata, rendered a rousing tribute in Winnie’s memory.
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The occasion which was organised by the AUN’s contingent of South African students brought back good memories of the life and time of Winnie Mandela.
Supported by expatriates and Nigerian members of the community, the occasion featured solidarity songs, tributes, poetry recitations and personal recollections.
Drawing from South African mythology, a third year International & Comparative Politics major, Luyand Khanyile, said Winnie-Madikizela Mandela “did not die but multiplied.”
The statement was made in obvious reference to the struggle she led against apartheid and injustice, and how those tribulations defined her life.
Other South African students, Jeremiah Sello Mafokoane, Ntuthuko Buthelezi, Kebone Mofokeng and Alex Gekpe, delivered stirring eulogies in honour of the “Mother of the Nation.”
Ms. Kebone, a Petroleum Chemistry major from Orange State, recited a poem for Winnie, from the work of Vangile Gantsho.
