Eastern Cape Changes Local Municipality Name to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality

Mbizana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape has been renamed Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality. The new name of the municipality, sitting in Mbizana, was signed off by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Xolile Nqatha in a provincial Government Gazette on Thursday. The move immortalises Madikizela-Mandela for her selfless and massive contribution in the attainment of freedom and democracy in South Africa, said the Eastern Cape’s Arts and Culture MEC Fezeka Nkomonye.

“This also acknowledges the significant role played by women in the struggle for national liberation,” added Nkomonye.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality Mayor Daniswa Mafumbatha said the decision to rename the municipality after Madikizela-Mandela is to honour her for her role in fighting apartheid and the resilience she demonstrated as a freedom fighter and as a mother.

Read: Backpacking in South Africa.. Where To Visit, Tips, Guide

She said the proposal for the name was first made in 2018. Mafumbatha said: “The renaming… will preserve her name for generations to come.

“Winnie Madikizela Mandela married the former President Nelson Mandela here in Mbizana in June of 1958. That alone is a rich heritage that needs to be preserved and kept for generations to come.”

The name change is to take effect from the first day of the month following publication in the provincial gazette. Winifred Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela was born at Mbhongweni Village in Mbizana on 26 September 1936. More significantly, her marriage ceremony with the late President Nelson Mandela took place at Ludeke Mission at Ludeke Village in Mbizana on 14 June 1958.

Read: BIZARRE: Cow Kills, then Eats Teacher in Qumbu, Eastern Cape