04 Apr 2018 | 10:00 PM UTC
South Africa: State funeral for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela April 14
State funeral for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on April 14 in the Soweto area of Johannesburg on April 14, preceded by memorial service in Soweto on April 11; localized disruptions expected
Event
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that there will be a state funeral for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on Saturday, April 14. The funeral will be held at the Orlando Stadium in the Soweto area of Johannesburg. On Wednesday, April 11, a smaller memorial service will be held at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto. As of Wednesday, April 4, the specific times for the funeral and memorial service have not been announced. National days of mourning have been declared from Tuesday, April 3, through April 14. Significant disruptions, including road closures, heightened security measures, and crowded conditions, are anticipated in Soweto, and Johannesburg in general, during the memorial events.
Context
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela died on Monday, April 2, after to a prolonged illness. She was previously married to Nelson Mandela and was popularly referred to as the “Mother of the Nation” by South Africans. Madikizela-Mandela was a prominent activist against the apartheid regime and an outspoken supporter of women’s rights.
Advice
Individuals in Johannesburg, particularly in Soweto, are advised to anticipate disruptions to daily life (transportation disruptions, business closures, etc.) on April 11 and 14 and to be respectful of local sensitivities during the mourning period.
