Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the second wife of Nelson Mandela, was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. She was born on September 26, 1936, in Bizana, South Africa, and died on April 2, 2018. Madikizela-Mandela was known for her activism against apartheid and her involvement in the African National Congress (ANC). She was a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee and headed its Women’s League.
Madikizela-Mandela married Nelson Mandela in 1958, when he was still married to his first wife, Evelyn Mase. The couple had two children together, but their marriage was marked by infidelity and separation. Madikizela-Mandela was known for her fierce loyalty to Mandela and her role in the anti-apartheid movement, but she was also criticized for her involvement in violent activism and her treatment of her step-son, Makaziwe Mandela.
After Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, Madikizela-Mandela became a prominent figure in the ANC and served as a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2003. She was also a deputy minister of arts and culture from 1994 to 1996. However, her career was marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
Madikizela-Mandela’s personal life was also marked by controversy. She was known for her fiery temper and her involvement in violent activism, which included the necklacing of alleged police informers and apartheid government collaborators. She was also criticized for her treatment of her step-son, Makaziwe Mandela, and her involvement in his kidnapping and torture.
In her later years, Madikizela-Mandela was involved in various charitable organizations and was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and children’s welfare. She was also a vocal critic of the ANC and its leadership, and was known for her sharp tongue and her willingness to speak her mind.
Despite her controversial reputation, Madikizela-Mandela was a complex and multifaceted figure who played an important role in the anti-apartheid movement and the ANC. She was a true advocate for the rights of black South Africans and was a powerful symbol of resistance against apartheid.
In conclusion, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a complex and controversial figure who played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement and the ANC. Her life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, and she remains a powerful symbol of resistance against apartheid and oppression.