Cape ANC pays Tribute to Struggle Stalwart Rayi Nomveli Madikwa

Rayi Nomveli Madikwa, who died on August 8, 2009, will be remembered for her bravery in defying apartheid repressions during the struggle for liberation in South Africa. Madikwa, who with numerous other prolific Western Cape ANC comrades fought in the trenches of townships like Guguletu, Nyanga and Langa, was given a moving farewell at her home in Guguletu on August 22, 2009 at a funeral that drew a phalanx of people who had come in from all corners of the Province to pay their last respects.

Madikwa was born in Nyanga in 28 January 1947 where she later became involved and joined the ANC Youth League under the leadership of Harold Mpetha.

Whenever the government flexed it’s repressive hand, so her strength and determination grew. She was in the front of every rally and present at all the major civic boycotts that aimed to topple the government. During the “Asiyi eKhayelitsha” (We are not going to Khayelitsha) Campaign by Western Cape Civic Association, she was present, when the United Democratic Front (UDF) started the 1 million Signature Campaign in opposition of the Tricameral Parliament, Madikwa and the ANCWL were there to lend their support, during the Red Meat Boycott, Bread Boycott and the Rent Boycotts of 1976, she was also there.

The women of South African led their defiance with gusto and bravery. We salute you Mrs Madikwa. Lala Ngoxolo.

* Footage and photos available