Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a key figure in South Africa’s liberation struggle, known for her fierce resistance to apartheid and her role as a leading political voice during the country’s most turbulent years. Born in the Eastern Cape on 26 September 1936, she trained as a social worker and became one of the first Black professionals in this field at a time when opportunities for Black South Africans were severely limited. Her life changed dramatically when she married Nelson Mandela in 1958, as the apartheid government intensified its repression of the African National Congress (ANC) and other resistance movements.
Following Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment in 1962, Winnie emerged not only as a loyal partner but also as a leader in her own right. Despite facing constant surveillance, harassment, detention and exile at the hands of the apartheid regime, she remained a vocal critic of racial injustice and a visible symbol of defiance. Her activism helped keep Nelson Mandela’s name alive throughout his 27 years in prison, and galvanized both local and international support for the anti-apartheid cause.
Winnie Mandela’s political career extended beyond activism. She held various leadership positions in the ANC and the Women’s League, where she advocated for gender equality and social justice. After the end of apartheid in 1994, she served as Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture in South Africa’s first democratic government, but resigned due to political disagreements. She remained a Member of Parliament for many years, continuing to influence national conversations about poverty, inequality, and the unfinished work of liberation.
Winnie Mandela passed away on April 2, 2018, but her legacy remains a symbol of resistance, particularly for Black women who continue to face the challenges of inequality and marginalization.