EFF leader Julius Malema has called on the ANC to name the Cape Town International Airport after Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Twitter agrees with him.
“If it is true that the ANC [African National Congress] wants to honour you, let them name Cape Town Airport after Winnie Mandela,” Malema said at the struggle icon’s state funeral at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
Within an hour of Juju making the call, the airport’s Wikipedia page was edited to include “soon to be Winnie Madikizela-Mandela International Airport”.
Internet memes also abounded, and in one, a blue traffic board was edited to show you the way to the “new” airport.
The EFF leader had a close relationship with Madikizela-Mandela and fondly referred to her as “mama” during his address.
Their bond stretches back to his days as the leader of the ANC Youth League.
Malema pulled no punches during his speech as he called out those individuals who had stood against Mam Winnie in the early ’90s and who were now crying krokodil trane.
“Mama, some of those who sold you to the regime are here and are crying louder than all of us who stood by you,” he said.
“The UDF cabal that distanced itself from you, is here crying crocodile tears after disowning you at a critical moment, hoping the regime will finish you off.”
Malema was referencing the time when Madikizela-Mandela was accused for the death of 13-year-old Stompie Seipei, a crime for which she was eventually cleared.
Photo: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
“All those who resigned from the NEC of the women’s league because they said they can’t be led by a criminal, they are here playing all important roles at your funeral. Can we trust them or should we treat them with suspicion, ma’Winnie?” he said to loud cheers from thousands of mourners who attended.
Mourners chanted as the casket was transported out of Orlando, raising fists in the air.
Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the failure by the ANC to stand by her side when she faced a barrage of allegations and court cases.
“As we bid her farewell, we are forced to admit that too often as she rose, she rose alone,’’ he said.
Ramaphosa said the governing party would award the former ANC Women’s League president with the Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe Award, its highest honour.
Meanwhile, former president Jacob Zuma was booed by mourners.
When programme director Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula acknowledged the presence of former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, the crowd cheered.
But when she mentioned Zuma, the crowd jeered and made hand gestures for the “substitute” sign used by angry fans at football games.
JZ, who resigned in February, acted as if nothing had happened.
Madikizela-Mandela died on 2 April at Milpark Hospital. She will be buried at Fourways Memorial Park at a private service for the family and a few dignitaries.