Top politicians and struggle icons attended Epainette Mbeki's funeral in iDutywa this morning.
Affectionately known as 'MaMbeki', she was the wife of struggle hero Govan Mbeki and mother to former president Thabo Mbeki and political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki. MaMbeki passed away last Saturday June 7 at St Dominics hospital in East London after a short illness. She died at the age of 98.
In attendance at the funeral was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister to the Presidency Jeff Radebe, Minister of Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu, member of parliament Bantu Holomisa, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, among others.
South African deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa spoke of MaMbeki's personal suffering as a result of and during Apartheid. "She suffered personally in this fight for freedom, and despite those challenges, she was steadfast," he told the 1000-strong gathered audience.
"MaMbeki lived the way we all should live: full of grace, truth and humility.
"MaMbeki may have moved on, but her sacrifices and selfless generosity will never be forgotten," Ramaphosa said.
The Deputy President described MaMbeki as a "flower that blossoms in the heart of millions across the country."
"For 75 years of her life she sacrificed to improve the lives of our people. How I wish we could all be like that."
Ramaphosa said he was representing President Jacob Zuma in his absence. The President is taking a break from public appearances ahead of the State of the Nation address.
Speaking on behalf of the Mbeki family, Fezeka Mabona stressed how MaMbeki assisted the women in her community by helping them find independence and respect in their communities. Much of this was through her work on the Khanyisa Project that she founded in her home village, Ngcingwane in the Eastern Cape.
Mabona said MaMbeki was fiercely independent right until the end. "We told Thabo that his mother wasn't eating, and when Thabo phoned his mother about this she told him, 'You mustn't listen to people who are bossing me around.'"
Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle also paid tribute to the modest heroine. "We have come from all over the country to bid farewell," he said, describing MaMbeki as "one of a rare breed of women".
"Fierce, determined and astute, MaMbeki always spoke her mind and held no punches when criticising those she believed were wrong," Masualle said. He added that women and youth empowerment was more than just lip service to MaMbeki - "she made it happen."
"MaMbeki had an unflinching love for this country's youth, so it's appropriate to bury her in the month where we celebrate youth," he added, referring to Monday's public holiday, Youth day.
Throughout the proceedings a gale force wind picked up, threatening to blow over the large marquee. The proceedings were brought to an early close as attendees were systematically evacuated from beneath the marquee, and MaMbeki's coffin was transported to Dutywa cemetery.
Please see below a slideshow of photographs taken at the funeral on Saturday:
MaMbeki's 'selfless generosity will never be forgotten' - Ramaphosa
Affectionately known as 'MaMbeki', she was the wife of struggle hero Govan Mbeki and mother to former president Thabo Mbeki and political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki. MaMbeki passed away last Saturday June 7 at St Dominics hospital in East London after a short illness. She died at the age of 98.
In attendance at the funeral was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister to the Presidency Jeff Radebe, Minister of Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu, member of parliament Bantu Holomisa, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, among others.
South African deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa spoke of MaMbeki's personal suffering as a result of and during Apartheid. "She suffered personally in this fight for freedom, and despite those challenges, she was steadfast," he told the 1000-strong gathered audience.
"MaMbeki lived the way we all should live: full of grace, truth and humility.
"MaMbeki may have moved on, but her sacrifices and selfless generosity will never be forgotten," Ramaphosa said.
The Deputy President described MaMbeki as a "flower that blossoms in the heart of millions across the country."
"For 75 years of her life she sacrificed to improve the lives of our people. How I wish we could all be like that."
Ramaphosa said he was representing President Jacob Zuma in his absence. The President is taking a break from public appearances ahead of the State of the Nation address.
Speaking on behalf of the Mbeki family, Fezeka Mabona stressed how MaMbeki assisted the women in her community by helping them find independence and respect in their communities. Much of this was through her work on the Khanyisa Project that she founded in her home village, Ngcingwane in the Eastern Cape.
Mabona said MaMbeki was fiercely independent right until the end. "We told Thabo that his mother wasn't eating, and when Thabo phoned his mother about this she told him, 'You mustn't listen to people who are bossing me around.'"
Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle also paid tribute to the modest heroine. "We have come from all over the country to bid farewell," he said, describing MaMbeki as "one of a rare breed of women".
"Fierce, determined and astute, MaMbeki always spoke her mind and held no punches when criticising those she believed were wrong," Masualle said. He added that women and youth empowerment was more than just lip service to MaMbeki - "she made it happen."
"MaMbeki had an unflinching love for this country's youth, so it's appropriate to bury her in the month where we celebrate youth," he added, referring to Monday's public holiday, Youth day.
Throughout the proceedings a gale force wind picked up, threatening to blow over the large marquee. The proceedings were brought to an early close as attendees were systematically evacuated from beneath the marquee, and MaMbeki's coffin was transported to Dutywa cemetery.
Please see below a slideshow of photographs taken at the funeral on Saturday:
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