Winnie's neighbours gear up for epic birthday bash

Winnie's neighbours gear up for epic birthday bash

Julia Madibogo | 2016-09-21 14:08:03.0

"Each year on her birthday she calls us into her house to celebrate with her. She opens her gate for all of us and we go in and out as we wish. It doesn't matter who you are or how you look‚" said neighbour Refilwe Mati. File photo
Image by: DAVID HARRISON

Neighbours of anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela are gearing up for festivities to celebrate her birthday.

The former wife of late statesman Nelson Mandela turns 80 on Monday and plans to celebrate her big day are well underway.

Neighbours of "Mama Winnie" say birthdays are usually celebrations to note in the street of Orlando West extension.

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"Each year on her birthday she calls us into her house to celebrate with her. She opens her gate for all of us and we go in and out as we wish. It doesn't matter who you are or how you look‚" said neighbour Refilwe Mati.

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"They shut down the whole street. We know they are going to have a party when they erect a marquee on the street a day before‚" Mati added.

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The street was fairly quite on Wednesday with only employees doing the garden and visitors coming in and out with flowers.

Another neighbour‚ who wished not to be named‚ said fancy drinks and nice food are the order of the day when Madikizela Mandela throws a birthday party.

"Last time... we had drinks in abundance. I drank a lot of Glenfiddich on that day. We hope this year it will be the same‚" she said.

An employee at Mandikizela Mandela's home said there will be a birthday celebration open for the public at Vilakazi street on Sunday.

"Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with her. It's a no-fee affair. We just want people to come and celebrate her life. The event is organised by the ANC and she will also be in attendance‚" the employee said.

Meanwhile the ANC Women's League will on Friday place an official birthday wish book at the home once shared by the late statesman and Madikizela Mandela in Vilakazi street‚ Soweto.

- TMG Digital/Sowetan