Historical Figure
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
b. 1936
South African activist and politician (1936–2018)
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Biography
Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela, also known as Winnie Mandela, was a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, and second wife of Nelson Mandela. During her political career, she served as a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2003, and from 2009 until her death, and was a deputy minister of arts and culture from 1994 to 1996. A member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party, she served on the ANC's National Executive Committee and headed its Women's League. Madikizela-Mandela was known to her supporters as the "Mother of the Nation".
In Their Own Words (3)
It is an individual choice you make in your life to make a difference. It is an individual choice to understand that my neighbour is not as privileged as I am. Extend your heart to those around you, and that is the democracy you should protect.It is an individual choice you make in your life to make a difference. It is an individual choice to understand that my neighbour is not as privileged as I am. Extend your heart to those around you, and that is the democracy you should protect.
In Her Own Words - Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, YouTube 18 Apr 2018 , 2018
I decided I will fight them to the last drop of my blood, and I will show them that women are going to bring about change in South Africa, and we did.
In Her Own Words - Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, YouTube 18 Apr 2018 , 2018
To those who oppose us, we say, Strike the woman, and you strike the rock.
Timeline
The story of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, told in moments.
Born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela in Bizana, Transkei, to a Xhosa royal family. Her father was a history teacher and government minister. She trained as a social worker in Johannesburg. First Black medical social worker at Baragwanath Hospital.
Married Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. She was 22. He was 40 and already a wanted man. They had two daughters. Five years later he was sentenced to life in prison. She wouldn't live with him again for 27 years.
Detained under the Terrorism Act and held in solitary confinement for 17 months. Interrogated, tortured, denied contact with her children. Released without charge. She was banned, restricted, surveilled. Became Nelson's public face and the face of resistance.
Endorsed "necklacing" in a speech, referring to the practice of burning suspected informers with gasoline-filled tires. Her personal bodyguard unit, the Mandela United Football Club, terrorized Soweto. Anti-apartheid leaders within South Africa publicly distanced themselves.
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