Mourners flood social media to honor Winnie Mandela during funeral
South Africans gathered Saturday to bid farewell to Winnie Mandela, and mourners from across the globe flocked to social media to honor her legacy during the funeral.
» RELATED: Twitter mourns for anti-apartheid activist Winnie Mandela
The anti-apartheid activist, who died at age 81 earlier this month, was laid to rest in a massive celebration, which was attended by thousands including Jesse Jackson and Naomi Campbell.
Mandela, once married to former South African President Nelson Mandela, was known as “Mother of the Nation” or simply “Mama” for her fight against apartheid. She also became Johannesburg’s first black female social worker.
Although the ceremony, which was streamed live, took place in South Africa, several from around the world headed to Twitter to say their goodbyes to the controversial leader. Many reposted speeches, videos and pictures from the service.
South Africa honors you Mama 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 Rest In Peace ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿💔💔💔💔#WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/jm3cBlLZhm
— Afrika First (@ramoroaswi) April 14, 2018
Never ever did she waiver in her conviction and strength - Naomi Campbell #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/tKgyj3o4oK
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) April 14, 2018
I'll leave it here #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/qVMIeziznE
— Man's Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) April 14, 2018
READ: Princess Zenani Mandela-Dlamini's speech at her mother, #WinnieMadikizelaMandela 's funeral. #WinnieMandelaFuneral pic.twitter.com/IXs24yT6FA
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) April 14, 2018
» RELATED: 'Winnie!' South Africa bids farewell to Madikizela-Mandela
A few acknowledged the rainy weather, stating the drizzle was a sign of “peace.”
#WinnieMandelaFuneral The rain and thunder was a fitting finale. The ancestors ululating their acceptance of their daughter, praising a life well-lived.
— Thabo (@QhaBhuti) April 14, 2018
Pula!
Ha ene!
#WinnieMandelaFuneral the rain attesting her greatness, what more can one ask for. That’s your sign Malema..this rain resembles all the tears she couldn’t shed when she was alive....mazosulwe Mzantsi pic.twitter.com/hF9qs9FW2F
— Lungelwa Dlulisa (@DlulisaLungelwa) April 14, 2018
Rain was the sign of peace lol #WinnieMadikizelaMandela #JuliusMalemaChallenge #WinnieMandelaFuneral
— Kgomotso💕 (@MisMuffinsss) April 14, 2018
Others said institutions, such as the Cape Town International Airport, should be named after the legend.
RT for Winnie Mandela Airport pic.twitter.com/MuhBRFbAxC
— Motlhanka WaMorena (@cappuccino_DJ) April 14, 2018
Julius Malema: if it is true that the ANC want to honor you, let them name Cape Town Airport after Winnie Mandela. #WinnieMandelaFuneral #WinnieMadikizelaMandela #WinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/7osgfM7oLd
— Man's Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) April 14, 2018
Raise your hand if you agree with Julius Malema that Cape Town International Airport should be named after Winnie Mandela. ✊#WinnieMandelaFuneral
— Sheldon Cameron (@Sheldon_Cameron) April 14, 2018
Retweet ❤ pic.twitter.com/oUYzzhDSMT
Others simply reflected on her legacy and influence.
When Winnie Mandela was banished , she built a creche & lead initiatives that bettered the community. She built something beautiful from something meant to break her,It's not circumstances that make us. It's what we choose to make of those circumstances. #WinnieMandelaFuneral
— Woman in Purpose (@Yvette_Aloe) April 14, 2018
#WinnieMandelaFuneral
— RipMamaWinnie (@Joysile1) April 14, 2018
To every woman who's left to raise her kids alone
To every woman who works hard with no recognition and reward
To every woman who's trying to get Education
Hang in there, the spirit of Mama Winnie is with us ...We are Winnie Mandela
ALUUUUUTA ✊
#WinnieMandelaFuneral Like and retweet to show respect to our hero winnie mandela. pic.twitter.com/mMyA2kYlJH
— SARCASTIC SAVAGENESS (@MOSCO_LA_DOSCA) April 14, 2018
» RELATED: Roswell woman recalls friendship with Winnie Mandela
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
