PRESIDENT Hage Geingob on Saturday invited the relatives of late South African political icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, to receive the honour which he bestowed on her in 2015.
“My sisters, since she was unable to come and receive her award, I’d like to invite you that you can come to Namibia so that we can give you that honour, and also allow us as Swapo and Namibia to also honour her,” Geingob said during his speech at Madikizela-Mandela’s funeral.
Addressing the crowd of mourners and celebrating the life of Madikizela-Mandela, Geingob said in 2015, after he became President, he increased the pensions of the elderly by 60%, and also awarded Madikizela-Mandela the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class, for her contribution to the liberation struggles of South Africa and Namibia.
Although the naming of a street is still being planned, Geingob told the crowd that a street has already been named after the late political hero.
“I also, not me alone, but Namibian people also named a street in her honour,” he said at the service.
The state-owned New Era reported in early April that Swapo Party Women’s Council secretary Eunice Ipinge had said “plans are underway to name a street in honour of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as per President Hage Geingob’s directive in 2015”.
Describing Madikizela-Mandela as “a woman who was the epitome of black female resistance against oppression, racism and imperialism”, Geingob said the late politician left behind a legacy of sacrifice, dedication and commitment, whose legacy was established and firmly rooted among Namibian people.
He praised her for her fearlessness and for being a “staunch anti-apartheid activist” on the one hand, and a solid rock for her family when the late Nelson Mandela – her husband at the time – was imprisoned on Robben Island.
He also praised her for remaining rooted in the people of South Africa, even when she assumed higher responsibilities.
State House did not respond to questions about the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela street naming yesterday.
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