Tunde Folawiyo | Winnie Mandela: An Activist Icon

Whilst millions around the globe may continue to be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has made many contributions to African culture, as well. The activist from South Africa has over the years held several esteemed government positions, as well as played active roles in organizations such as Africa’s National Congress Women’s League and the National Executive Committee of the ANC. Tunde Folawiyo and many other citizens of Africa may regard the achievements of Winnie Mandela as great strides in the fight for social justice throughout the country of South Africa and beyond.

Born 26 September in the African village, eMbongweni Bizana in Pondoland – now the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa – Winnie went on to acquire a college degree in social work in Johannesburg during a time when blacks faced educational restrictions due to apartheid. She later acquired a Bachelor’s of internal relations at a Witwatersrand university. As the former wife of Nelson Mandela for nearly four decades, Winnie continued to support her husband during the entirety of his 27-year imprisonment. She served as the face of the anti-apartheid movement during this time, proving popular amongst South African citizens and others. Whilst she and Mandela divorced in 1996, she frequently visited him during his prolonged illness. Their kinship was the source of much media speculation as she remained a close confident up until his passing.

Mandela faced many struggles during times of apartheid. After being tortured and subject to house arrest, she was then held within solitary confinement for one year before being banished to another town. After news of these injustices spread, Mandela garnered worldwide popularity. From organising local clinics to actively campaigning for equal rights, Winnie’s efforts to forge an impact on social change created a major stir, drawing worldwide attention to the conditions faced by blacks in South Africa. During 1985, she was awarded a Human Rights Award alongside fellow activists for their work throughout South Africa. Their culminated efforts continue to inspire millions throughout the globe currently experiencing a range of social injustices. As the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela remains ever present in the lives of many around the world, Tunde Folawiyo and others may recognize the significant impact of Winnie Mandela as well. Whilst her civil rights efforts were sometimes riddled with controversy, the positive influence forged by Winnie Mandela, an African icon, may withstand time.