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Winnie Madikizela-Mandela: Anti-apartheid campaigner dies at 81

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7 years ago

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Late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela with her late husband Nelson Mandela in their wedding picture

South African anti-apartheid campaigner and former first lady Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has died aged 81.

She and her former husband Nelson Mandela, who were both jailed, were a symbol of the country’s anti-apartheid struggle for three decades.

However, in later years her reputation became tainted legally and politically.

Crowds of mourners and political figures flocked to her home in Soweto, in Johannesburg, after news of her death broke.

Family spokesman Victor Dlamini confirmed earlier on Monday that Mrs Mandela “succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones” following a long illness, which had seen her go in and out of hospital since the start of the year.

‘Mother of the Nation’

Mrs Madikizela-Mandela was born in 1936 in the Eastern Cape – then known as Transkei.

She was a trained social worker when she met her future husband in the 1950s. They went on to have two daughters together.

They were married for a total of 38 years, although for almost three decades of that time they were separated due to Mr Mandela’s long imprisonment.

It was Mrs Madikizela-Mandela who took his baton after he was jailed for life, becoming an international symbol of resistance to apartheid. She too was jailed for her role in the fight for justice and equality.

To her supporters, she became known affectionately as “Mother of the Nation”.

Who has paid tribute?

In a televised address President Cyril Ramaphosa – whom Mrs Madikizela-Mandela praised earlier this year – called her as a “voice of defiance” against white-minority rule.

“In the face of exploitation, she was a champion of justice and equality,” he said on Monday.

“She as an abiding symbol of the desire of our people to be free”.

Retired archbishop and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu said she was a “defining symbol of the struggle against apartheid”.

“Her courageous defiance was deeply inspirational to me, and to generations of activists,” he added.

Energy Minister Jeff Radebe, reading out a statement on behalf of the family, paid tribute to “a colossus who strode the Southern African political landscape”.

“As the ANC we dip our revolutionary banner in salute of this great icon of our liberation struggle,” he said.

“The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life and even as our hearts break at her passing we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable South African woman.”

African National Congress (ANC) chairperson Gwede Mantashe said: “With the departure of Mama Winnie, [we have lost] one of the very few who are left of our stalwarts and icons. She was one of those who would tell us exactly what is wrong and right, and we are going to be missing that guidance.”

South Africa’s pride and joy – and my neighbour

Analysis by Milton Nkosi, BBC News, Johannesburg

I knew Winnie Madikizela-Mandela personally. We come from the same neighbourhood in Soweto.

To many, she was the pride and joy of the nation, an icon in her own right – never mind the fact she was Nelson Mandela’s wife.

Mrs Madikizela-Mandela was also the first black social worker in the country. Her love and desire to help those in need was always burning from deep inside.

But she was not nothing but sweet talk. She met the brutality of racial segregation with fire. Each time the police came to arrest her at her home in Orlando West, she held her own.

She never gave in. Not one inch – and sometimes, this landed her in trouble. As anti-apartheid activist Mosioua Lekota noted in her defence: “Those who did nothing under apartheid never made mistakes.”

She will be remembered for her fight against an inhumane system, rather than for the mistakes she made in that fight.

Why was she controversial?

However, Mrs Madikizela-Mandela found herself mired in scandal for decades.

She was accused of conducting a virtual reign of terror in parts of Soweto by other members of the ANC in the late 1980s, and heard backing the practice of “necklacing” – putting burning tyres around suspected informants’ necks.

She was also found guilty of kidnapping and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for her involvement in the death of 14-year-old township militant Stompie Seipei. She always denied the allegation, and the sentence was reduced to a fine.

Mr Mandela, who stood by her throughout the accusations, was finally released from prison in February 1990.

But two years later, their marriage crumbled. The couple divorced in 1996, but she kept his surname and maintained ties with him.

She stayed involved in politics, but was again embroiled in controversy when she was convicted of fraud in 2003.

BBC

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Global Affairs

Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times

Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

Published

8 hours ago

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June 19, 2025

By

Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva southern Israel. It also hit Ramat Gan with extreme devastating losses.

The direct hit inflicted extensive damage—blown-out windows, collapsed ceilings—while hospital staff evacuated patients safely. No fatalities were reported, though 40–65 people suffered injuries across southern and central Israel. Additional impacts hit residential towers in Ramat Gan, Holon, and Tel Aviv. (timesofisrael.com)

The images below show collapsed sections, debris fields, and stunned rescue teams.

2. Impact on Medical Services & Patients

Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. (1news.co.nz) Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

A volunteer recounted:

“Everything fell apart. Glass, ceilings – everything fell.” (timesofisrael.com)

Nearby towns also reported shattered windows and structural damage. The widespread fear has triggered mental health alerts and community trauma interventions.

Also Read: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

3. Broader Missile Assault 19–20 June (200 words)

The Guardian and AP News had reported that the hospital hit is part of a wider Iranian missile onslaught. On June 18–19, Iran launched over 30 ballistic missiles, striking Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. (theguardian.com) Casualties included 40–65 wounded, including at least 6 seriously injured, with reports of war-crime allegations from Israeli authorities.

Also stated that the Israeli Military and residential targets were affected alongside civilian infrastructure. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and strategic sites. (apnews.com)

4. International Reactions & Analysis

  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu firmly denounced the hospital attack as a “war crime” and pledged severe retaliation on Iran.
  • Israeli Health Minister, Uriel Buso labeled it “terror attack” and crossing “red lines.”
  • Iran’s government asserts it targeted military-related sites, urging Israel not to act surprised.
  • Experts: International Crisis Group’s Ali Vaez warns this marks a dangerous turning point that tests Israel’s air-defense thresholds and risks deeper regional conflict escalation.

Global leaders including the U.S., EU, China, and Russia are calling for de-escalation amid warnings of broader consequences. (theguardian.com)

5. Consequences & Risk Factors

  • Medical infrastructure under pressure: Continued attacks risk crippling health services and expose vulnerable civilians.
  • Escalation risk: Retaliatory cycles may pull in Iran-backed proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis).
  • Humanitarian strain: Trauma from hospital strikes leads to population displacement and mental health crisis.
  • Economic fallout: Markets react sharply; Israeli insurers, medical supplies, and rebuilding faces strain.
  • Legal implications: If civilian hospitals are repeatedly targeted, Israel or Iran could face international legal scrutiny.

6. Defense & Humanitarian Recommendations (150 words)

  1. Enhance Civil Defense: Rapid upgrades to hospital bunkers, emergency drills, and medical staff PTSD training.
  2. Diplomatic Pressure: Immediate UN Security Council intervention to demand respect for medical neutrality.
  3. Early-Warning Integration: Coordinate air-defense notifications directly with hospitals and city shelters.
  4. Aid Corridors: International NGOs partner with Israeli agencies for supplies, counseling, and medical evacuation planning.
  5. Media Transparency: Accurate reporting and documented damage log to support legal accountability and aid calls.

Conclusion

The missile strike on Soroka Hospital starkly illustrates the human cost of this conflict. Immediate defensive, diplomatic, and humanitarian responses are vital—not just to save lives but to deter further escalation. We must act urgently before retaliation spirals into regional war.

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Global Affairs

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively.

Published

21 hours ago

on

June 18, 2025

By

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

Iranian state media had issue a warning of “a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”

Though the exact wording varies slightly by translation. In fact, multiple outlets report that during a live Tehran broadcast, a state television anchor cautioned:

“Tonight, a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”

According to The Print and unionesarda, “This ominous statement wasn’t aimed at local viewers. It was meant for an international audience, setting a deliberate tone of imminent, dramatic escalation” (theprint.in, unionesarda.it)

1. Context & What Was Said

During live state TV coverage of Israeli strikes, an anchorman declared:

“Tonight, a great surprise will occur, one that the world will remember for centuries.”

That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively (nypost.com).

Read Also: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

2. What Could the “Surprise” Be?

a. Large-Scale Missile Strike
Given past patterns, Iran could launch an unprecedented barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting deep into Israel or U.S. bases in the region.

b. Innovative Weapons Unveiled
New IRGC stealth drones will debut. Hypersonic missiles or electronic warfare systems could also be introduced. These innovations might strike both military targets and critical infrastructure.

c. Proxy Network Activation
Iran-backed groups—Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Houthis—might start simultaneous attacks across multiple fronts (Lebanon, Gaza, Red Sea).

d. Cyber or Space Operations
Potentially disruptive digital attacks on Israel’s infrastructure or satellite interference—amplifying effects beyond conventional warfare.

3. Immediate Impacts & Risks

  • Civilian Casualties: Higher death tolls, mass evacuations, infrastructure damage.
  • Oil Supply Threats: Attacks on tankers or Strait of Hormuz closure could spike global oil prices.
  • Regional Expansion: Spillover violence increases chance of a broader Middle East war.
  • Global Economic Panic: Markets dip, safe-haven buying surges, flight cancellations from region.
  • Media & Propaganda Blitz: State outlets on both sides will escalate rhetoric, complicating diplomacy.

4. Strategies to Avert Disaster

  1. Immediate Diplomatic De-escalation: Third-party nations (EU, Turkey, GCC) must urgently broker an Iran–Israel communications channel.
  2. UN Security Council Pressure: Immediate resolution calling for pause and reducing aerial incursions.
  3. Establish Crisis Hotline: A direct military-to-military “red phone” between Tehran and Jerusalem to avoid miscalculations.
  4. Proxy Restraint Coordination: U.S. and European sanctions could target non-state actors to limit escalation via militias.
  5. Global Humanitarian Planning: Neighboring countries should prepare refugee shelters, medical assistance, and aid corridors.

5. Long-Term Consequences If Ignored

  • Potential Widespread Conflict: Major powers drawn into localized theaters leads to proxy or direct war.
  • Economic Shockwaves: Energy prices surge, supply chains disrupted, trend toward global recession.
  • Humanitarian Toll: Millions displaced, with little stable response capacity due to simultaneous crises.
  • Global Realignments: Countries may strategically reorient to China, Russia, or alternative trading blocs.

6. Recommended Path Forward

StrategyPurpose
Diplomatic MediationLower tensions before military triggers
Third-Party Escalation TalkReduce risks of blowback from attacks
Public TransparencyMaintain civilian trust and compliance
Technological CautionShare intel on drone/missile tests
Humanitarian & Refugee PrepEnsure readiness for civilian fallout

️Final Take

Iran’s “great surprise tonight” warning is grim—but not inevitable. With thoughtful global diplomacy, military restraint, and coordinated crisis-response, escalation can be prevented.

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Global Affairs

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 17, 2025

By

Iran–Israel War Escalates in today’s Attacks

Latest Developments

  • Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
  • Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).

Current Casualties & Damage

  • Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
  • Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).

Official Statements

President Donald Trump

  • Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
  • Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).

Israeli Government (PM & IDF)

  • PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
  • The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).

Iranian Response

Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus

  • Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).

🔮 What’s Next?

  1. Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
  2. Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
  3. Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
  4. Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).

Biblical Perspective

  • Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
  • Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
  • Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.

Key Takeaways

  • The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
  • Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
  • Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
  • Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
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