Mam' Winnie honoured in New York

Harlem was the first American city, Madikizela-Mandela visited with former husband, Nelson Mandela following his release from prison in 1990.

The United Nations Deputy General Secretary, Amina Mohammed delivered the official address yesterday - saying the former activist was the mother of the struggle. 

"Winnie was the sister who kept the movement going while so many men were imprisoned or exiled. Winnie was the daughter of Africa who embodied the proverb 'When you strike a woman, you strike a rock'. The women of South Africa kept the struggle firmly on the international agenda. And Winnie Mandela was the glue,"  Mohammed said. 

The former Minister of Environment of Nigeria said Madikizela-Mandela personified courage and perseverance. 

"There is a term we use in our work on peace and security – that term is “force multiplier”. It is a special something that allows you to do many times more than what you could have ever done on your own. Sisters and brothers, Winnie Mandela was and will forever remain a force multiplier. She created and expanded spaces for all of us to make our voices heard.  For economic rights.  For political freedom.  For social justice."

A state funeral was held in her honour at Soweto's Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, while in KZN  - a memorial was held yesterday at People's Park in Durban where former president, Jacob Zuma and ANC's Jesse Duarte spoke boldly of the struggle stalwart.

Mam' Winnie will be laid to rest tomorrow.