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Home · News

Winnie Mandela Dies At 81

Winnie Mandela Dies At 81
Sowetan/Getty Images
By Britni Danielle · Updated October 24, 2020

South African icon and anti-apartheid fighter Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away in Johannesburg on Monday. She was 81.

According to a spokesman for her family, Mrs. Mandela “died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of the hospital since the start of the year.” The statement from Victor Dlamini continued, “She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.”

“The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life and even as our hearts break at her passing, we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable woman,” Dlamini  said.

While many know about the struggles of her former husband, Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid fight, Mrs. Mandela also suffered greatly for the cause.

Mrs. Mandela was often a target of the government and was arrested, beaten, tortured, and sent into banishment in 1977 because of her commitment to equality for South Africa’s Black citizens.

Hamba Kahle Winnie Mandela. Often think of this photo of her in front of the house she was banished to (a bizarre apartheid era form of internal exile) in 1977 with her daughter. pic.twitter.com/mMVB3uuoUT

— Chris Webb 🌹 (@Cee_Webb) April 2, 2018

Though Mrs. Mandela was a stalwart figure in the anti-apartheid movement, she was plagued by scandals later in life that threatened to tarnish her reputation. Still, she is being remembered as “the mother of South Africa” and a dedicated freedom fighter.

You were strong when we couldn’t be. You were a rage that sometimes burned too brightly and you showed us how to be brave and be our fearsome best. Lion. Warrior. Mother. Mkhonto. #WinnieMandela

— Sisonke Msimang (@Sisonkemsimang) April 2, 2018

 

Winnie Mandela has died. She was ferocious, controversial, and fearless. Rest in peace, to the mother of post-Apartheid South Africa. https://t.co/WWK3MBljPP pic.twitter.com/c26EYhQtqi

— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) April 2, 2018

 

Winnie Mandela held down leadership in the South African liberation movement for so so long. She should revered, honored and respected in major ways. Ah! 😭😭😭 Rest In Peace and Power comrade.

— Charlene Carruthers (@CharleneCac) April 2, 2018

 

Winnie Mandela was a hell of a lot more than “Nelson Mandela’s ex wife” and it maddens me that that’s what she’s been reduced to.

Rest In Peace to a woman of wonder, a woman of strength, and a woman who not only empowered many, but taught us valuable lessons beyond being a wife. pic.twitter.com/eGdNYiHwsf

— IG: Katlego_Moncho (@Katlego_Moncho) April 2, 2018

 

A hero, a mother and a legend has passed on. Her legacy will live on and we will remember her as the mother of the nation. We salute you Mother Winnie Mandela. Rest in Peace great soul, Winnie Madikizela Mandela👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #RIPWinnieMandela #WinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/QhsddUfP36

— Christo (@ChristoThurston) April 2, 2018

Born in 1936 in the village of eMbongwen, which is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mrs. Mandela’s Xhosa name is Nomzamo, which means “one who tries.” Her commitment to her country’s most vulnerable people began early and continued throughout her life. Mrs. Mandela studied social work in college, before meeting and marrying Nelson Mandela when she was just 22.

Winnie Mandela leaves behind two daughters, Zindziswa and Zenani Mandela, and a legacy that will endure forever.

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