13 July 2020
The ANC Caucus has today, Monday 13th July 2020 learnt with a deep sense of shock and sadness of the passing of Ambassador Zindziswa ” Zindzi” Nobutho Mandela during the early hours of this morning. As Caucus we join millions of South Africans in mourning the untimely passing of a patriot who lived her life with bravery following her name- Nobutho, The Warrior.
This tragic loss is felt more profoundly as it occurs on the very same day as in 1969 when your brother Thembekile lost his life in a car accident.
We therefore dip our revolutionary banners in honour of a revolutionary whose entire life mission espoused Che Guevara’s immortal feelings of love; compassion; dedication and patriotism.
Your fearlessness resonated and cascaded all facets of your life and propelled many young people to join the struggle for freedom.
Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela inspired a generation of leaders of young people who have now swelled the ranks of the Movement as well as the democratic Government.
It was on the 10th February 1985 when your father, Isithwalandwe Nelson Mandela was offered a conditional release by the then apartheid regime and heroically you stood in that platform in Jabulani Stadium and delivered the message on his behalf. That act of heroism on that day placed you centrally in the hearts of many fearless young people who continued to render the country ungovernable.
As the Deputy President of Soweto Youth Congress; Comrade Zindzi Mandela worked with youth and student organizations and was recruited as an Umkhonto we Sizwe underground operative. Her role and participation in the Release Mandela Campaign is worthy of being mentioned as it assisted in the international mobilization in support of the struggle for freedom.
As a diplomat, Ambassador Zindziswa Nobutho Mandela served the nation and completed her stint as South Africa’s representative in Denmark finishing a posting she had started on the 17th June 2015.
At the time of her passing, Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela was about to take up a posting as South Africa’s representative in Liberia.
We will in your memory continue the fight against Gender based violence and its ramifications in all of society including in the context of marking the 25th year anniversary of the Adoption of the Beijing Platform of Action.
For its part; Parliament will also continue its work on land reform through its Ad – hoc committee on amending Section 25 of the Constitution; an area of work that was close to your heart – the return of the land to its rightful owners.
Caucus extends its heartfelt condolences to your children Zoleka,Zondwa, Bambatha; Zwelabo and the grandchildren.
Phumla ngoxolo ma Dlomo, Madiba; Zondwa; Yem- Yem; Sophitsho; Ngqolomsila!
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip; Hon. Pemmy Majodina
For more information, contact
Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson
067 415 1089
nkota@parliament.gov.za
nomfanelok17@yahoo.com