FORMER president Thabo Mbeki arrived in East London with his wife Zanele yesterday to prepare for the funeral of his mother, liberation struggle stalwart Epainette Nomaka Mbeki.
Mbeki, who was expected to go home to Ngcingwana in Dutywa, spent the day in East London as funeral preparations began.
Though there was no official statement, it was understood that the Mbeki family was meeting in East London to avoid travelling to and from Dutywa.
A reporter stationed at the Mbeki home confirmed that Eastern Cape local government and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa had called from their home after spending two hours waiting for the family.
The Mbekis are expected to arrive in Ngcingwana today.
For the people of Ngcingwana, the death of MaMbeki, as she was affectionately known, has left them bereaved at the loss of someone who meant everything to them and who carried the village on her shoulders.
Residents, young and old, spoke of a diligent mother of the nation, a caring community builder, advisor, activist and humble community leader.
“She was everything – anyone could go to her home for advice and leave that home a changed person.
“When days were dark and there was nothing at home, be it groceries, school uniforms for children or funds for a funeral, we ran to her and would definitely get help from her.
“But she always refused to be paid back for the assistance she offered. She gave with all her heart. She didn’t stand on top of a mountain and shout that she had helped someone.
“Despite her pint-size body, her heart to help the poor and fight for their rights was as big as a giant’s,” said neighbour Nokwakha Gulwa, 63.
Gulwa knew MaMbeki since the early 70s, when she was still young and active.
Mbeki, on his Facebook page, issued an official statement that the funeral would be held in Ngcingwana on June 14 at 9am.
Mac Maharaj, President Jacob Zuma’s spokesman, said there were no details at present whether or not the funeral would be classified.
Referring to Zuma attending to show support to the Mbekis, Maharaj said: “The president is resting at the moment; he’s undergoing tests. I do not have any information at the moment.”
Nomfanelo Kota, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masaulle’s spokeswoman, said the province would like the funeral to be attended by government.
However she said it was the president who determined funeral classifications.
Meanwhile condolences poured in from politicians.
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) sent condolences to the Mbeki family
“Cosatu dips its banners in honour of a revolutionary heroine who devoted the whole of her long life to the liberation of her people.”
The National Union of Mineworkers in a separate statement said: “MaMbeki was an activist, loyal, selfless, committed, dedicated, indefatigable and a humble servant of the people and communities she served.”
ANC youth league provincial task team coordinator Butsha Lali said MaMbeki represented a rare kind of heroine who “suffered and survived the repression of the apartheid regime”. —
Mbeki family arrive in EL ahead of matriarch’s funeral
Mbeki, who was expected to go home to Ngcingwana in Dutywa, spent the day in East London as funeral preparations began.
Though there was no official statement, it was understood that the Mbeki family was meeting in East London to avoid travelling to and from Dutywa.
A reporter stationed at the Mbeki home confirmed that Eastern Cape local government and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa had called from their home after spending two hours waiting for the family.
The Mbekis are expected to arrive in Ngcingwana today.
For the people of Ngcingwana, the death of MaMbeki, as she was affectionately known, has left them bereaved at the loss of someone who meant everything to them and who carried the village on her shoulders.
Residents, young and old, spoke of a diligent mother of the nation, a caring community builder, advisor, activist and humble community leader.
“She was everything – anyone could go to her home for advice and leave that home a changed person.
“When days were dark and there was nothing at home, be it groceries, school uniforms for children or funds for a funeral, we ran to her and would definitely get help from her.
“But she always refused to be paid back for the assistance she offered. She gave with all her heart. She didn’t stand on top of a mountain and shout that she had helped someone.
“Despite her pint-size body, her heart to help the poor and fight for their rights was as big as a giant’s,” said neighbour Nokwakha Gulwa, 63.
Gulwa knew MaMbeki since the early 70s, when she was still young and active.
Mbeki, on his Facebook page, issued an official statement that the funeral would be held in Ngcingwana on June 14 at 9am.
Mac Maharaj, President Jacob Zuma’s spokesman, said there were no details at present whether or not the funeral would be classified.
Referring to Zuma attending to show support to the Mbekis, Maharaj said: “The president is resting at the moment; he’s undergoing tests. I do not have any information at the moment.”
Nomfanelo Kota, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masaulle’s spokeswoman, said the province would like the funeral to be attended by government.
However she said it was the president who determined funeral classifications.
Meanwhile condolences poured in from politicians.
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) sent condolences to the Mbeki family
“Cosatu dips its banners in honour of a revolutionary heroine who devoted the whole of her long life to the liberation of her people.”
The National Union of Mineworkers in a separate statement said: “MaMbeki was an activist, loyal, selfless, committed, dedicated, indefatigable and a humble servant of the people and communities she served.”
ANC youth league provincial task team coordinator Butsha Lali said MaMbeki represented a rare kind of heroine who “suffered and survived the repression of the apartheid regime”. —
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