A thunderous applause greeted Comrade Winnie Mandela when she ascended the podium to greet 2000 delegates on invitation from the COSATU President.Promising not to criticise or be controversial and in congratulating Cosatu on one of its resolutions she immediately remarks, “I am praying that before I close my eyes forever – that the people shall govern and not leaders.” “This level of freedom to debate without fear in this Congress was supposed to have happened in Cape Town,” was another salvo fired off by the mother of the nation.Judging from the response from the Congress floor, Winnie Mandela no doubt remains popular.

by Cedric Gina and Karl Cloete