The leadership of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (current and former) presents this statement on behalf of the entire membership of the Church to the family of Me Madikizela-Mandela.

We have been privileged to know and witness Me Madikizela-Mandela fearlessly and courageously standing on the side of the oppressed and the poor for justice in South Africa for more than seven decades. Her indomitable acumen in fighting for authentic liberation touched our hearts and our lives. She lifted the bar of authentic liberation very high when it was not fashionable to do so, and very dangerous.

We thank God that in our times God raised leaders with great love for their people such as Me Madikizela-Mandela. We pray that her legacy may remain a guiding light when we have to pass through darkness. We spare a special word of thanks to all those who so generously have shared her life with us.

We especially honour her as a woman who with resilience fought racist discrimination, resisted the violations of her human dignity, as well as embeddedness of gender discrimination in society. Me Madikizela-Mandela’s life resembles in more than one way the championing of all who hunger and thirst for justice and unreserved liberation in all spheres of society (Belhar Confession Article 4).

May her soul rest in peace.

  • The Executive of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa: Rev Prof Leepo Modise, Rev Motlalentwa Betha, Rev DP Carelse, Rev William Julius, Rev Langa Fokase, Rev Thamsanqa Ngema, Rev Prof Christina Landman. And former Moderators Rev Prof Thias Kgatla and Rev Prof Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel