She was married to one of the greatest civil rights activist of all time. She was herself an activist for social change. She was considered the “mother” of South Africa. She was Winnie Mandela.
Current Events
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the ex-wife of anti-apartheid activist and former South African President Nelson Mandela, passed away earlier this week after a lengthy illness. Today, she is being remembered as an iconic figure for the history books.
‘Winnie was a rebel within a rebellion’ – former South African intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils said. “Winnie’s legacy and her persona is actually going to last a lot longer than a lot of others‚ including‚ save for (President) Madiba‚ all our presidents‚” he added.
“I am not saying that in a bitter way‚ but she was larger than life.”
Winnie Mandela was indeed larger than life.
After marrying Nelson Mandela in 1958, she served as his outside voice and the face of the anti-apartheid movement for the entire 27 years of his imprisonment. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became president of South Africa, she was the first black “First Lady” of the racially divided nation.
When her marriage to President Mandela ended, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and remained very active with the African National Congress (ANC), until a scandal forced her to the sidelines.
Winnie Mandela passed away on April 2nd in Johannesburg. She was 81.
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After marrying Nelson Mandela in 1958, she served as his outside voice and the face of the anti-apartheid movement for the entire 27 years of his imprisonment. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became president of South Africa, she was the first black “First Lady” of the racially divided nation. […] -DJ
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela leaves behind a *mixed” history (good and bad) to be sure.
However, I think DJ’s opening paragraph sums up, beautifully, the most essential part of her legacy in South African history, overall.
May She Rest. In. Peace.