On this day, South Africans pause to celebrate the life and remarkable legacy of Miriam Makeba, the legendary singer and fierce activist whose contribution to music and social justice redefined the global perception of African culture. Known affectionately as “Mama Africa", Makeba was not only a trailblasing artist who brought African music to the fore but also a formidable voice against apartheid, a cause she championed until her passing in 2008.  Thabiso Kotane speaks to Research Fellow at Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International (UNISA).