Today, celebrities and political parties took to social media to celebrate Winnie not only for her birthday, but also the significant role she played during the South African political landscape. An activist and politician during the liberation struggle, she has also held numerous government positions. These include heading the African National Congress Women’s League, and being a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee.
Criselda Dudumashe
EFF South Africa
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
Nomzamo Mbatha
Ouparazzi
Zoleka Mandela
In celebration of her birthday, we share some interesting facts about the legendary political icon:
1. Winnie was married to former South African President, late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela for 38 years.
2. She met him at a bus stop in Soweto when she was 22. A lawyer and anti-apartheid activist at the time, Madiba swept her off her feet with a lunch date that followed a week later.
3. They were married in 14 June 1958.
4. She has two daughters, Zenani and Zindziswa, and is a grandmother of eight.
5. She differentiated her children and grandchildren from Madiba’s other children by starting their names with the letter Z.
6. They divorced in 19 March 1996.
7. She was the first lady of South Africa from 1994–1996.
8. Regarding the possibility of reconciliation, Winnie mentioned in an interview in 1994: “I am not fighting to be the country’s first lady. In fact, I am not the sort of person to carry beautiful flowers and be an ornament to everyone.”
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Unknown
For more on her personal and political life, read Winnie Mandela, Mother of a Nation by Nancy Harrison (London, 1985).
