Mama Winnie 'very well' says MEC

Chairman of the ANC in Gauteng and the province’s MEC for Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance‚ Paul Mashatile‚ has allayed concerns about Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's health.

Mashatile paid a courtesy visit to the African National Congress stalwart's home in Soweto on Monday.

“Mama is very well. She is very happy that we came. I thought seeing as that I had a break from campaigning I'd come see her‚” Mashatile said.

Mashatile said Madikizela- Mandela was a source of strength and the mother of the movement.

“After this visit I will feel stronger on the ground as I continue with the campaigning‚” Mashatile said.

Although the media had been invited for a photo opportunity of Madikizela-Mandela‚ due to her health she was unable to come outside and meet the press.

The photo opportunity was delayed by and hour and half as the media had to wait for the MEC.

Security was tight at the homestead‚ with officials from the MEC's office being the only ones allowed to enter the premises.

Madikizela-Mandela‚ was rushed to a Johannesburg hospital in April this year after falling ill and requiring surgery for what the Nelson Mandela Foundation described as “spinal stenosis”.

Her first surgery‚ for compression of the spinal nerve and pain relief‚ took place in March. It was followed by a second procedure in April to assist with her recovery‚ the foundation said.

Even the presence of Mashatile and his two-car convoy did not disturb the sleepy neighbourhood. The only buzz outside Madikizela-Mandela's house came from passing tourists and journalists.

Colin Mtilani‚ one of the security guards‚ said the house was usually busy with visits from ANC officials.

Mashatile said Madikizela-Mandela was sad she could not be part of the campaign process for the upcoming local government elections.