'You gave me hope in difficult times': King Dalindyebo pays tribute to Zindzi Mandela

14 July 2020 - 15:44 By Nomahlubi Jordaan
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AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo has paid tribute to the late Zindzi Mandela.
AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo has paid tribute to the late Zindzi Mandela.
Image: LULAMILE FENI

AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has described the late Zindziswa “Zindzi” Mandela as a pillar of strength who gave him hope during "difficult" times.

“The sad news has once again landed in our kingdom. Death keeps on attacking my pillars of strength. Dadobawo [aunt] Zindzi, you were such a blessing to me. You gave me hope under difficult times of my life,” Dalindyebo said in a tribute to Zindzi, who died on Monday.

“Your smile used to brighten the dark corners in our kingdom and expose the enemy's conspiracy plan from its initial stages.”

He said Zindzi would be sorely missed for her ability to speak the truth to highly placed individuals.

“I am still processing the sad news, asking myself so many questions of how could death snatch my beautiful big sister in this ruthless way,” he said. “I was still hoping that we would meet soon, to console each other over the great loss of your mother, the late uMakhulu [grandmother] Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

“Without finding answers to my questions directed to God, I console myself by saying God could not take someone so valuable to one’s life without an equal replacement.

“I can imagine a deep sorrow that your passing has caused to your children and grand-children, Dadobawo. May they too find comfort in prayer and appreciate the decades that God gave us to spend with you. May your sweetness bind together the open, bleeding, deep wounds to the family and help us find peace and stability inside.”

Dalindyebo said Zindzi did not live an ordinary life because of her parents’ involvement in the struggle.

“You found yourself having to be militant at young age and follow after them,” he said.

“I have no doubt that you made your father [Nelson Mandela] so proud. He left us before you, but he departed with a smile coming deep from his heart.

“May your good deeds live forever.”


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