Story
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (born 26 May 1936), affectionately known as Winnie Mandela, is a prominent figure in South Africa. She is known as a social worker, politician and anti-apartheid activist.
As the second wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela made significant contributions to politics, serving as Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in South Africa’s newly established multiracial government and is a Member of Parliament.
Former Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology of South Africa
Winnie Mandela |
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 Winnie Mandela: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Winnie Madikizela-Mandela |
| Stage name: | Winnie Mandela |
| Born: | September 26, 1936 (81 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Mbhongweni, Pondoland, South Africa |
| Die: | April 2, 2018 (81 years old), Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | Shawbury High School |
| Height: | 1.59 m |
| Parents: | Gertrude Madikizela, Columbus Madikizela |
| Siblings: | Mobantu Mniki, Nonyaniso Khumalo, Msuthu Madikizela |
| Couple: | Nelson Mandela (m. 1958–1996) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | do not apply |
| Children: | Zindziswa Mandela, Zenani Mandela |
| Job: | Politician • Activist |
| Net value: | 1 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Winnie Mandela, former first lady of South Africa, was born on 26 May 1936 in Mbhongweni, Pondoland, now part of the Eastern Cape province.
She comes from a family of teachers, with her parents, Columbus Madikizela and Gertrude Madikizela, both working in the field of education. She grew up with siblings Mobantu Mniki, Nonyaniso Khumalo and Msuthu Madikizela.
Winnie received a good education despite her poor beginnings. She started her studies in Bizana, Eastern Cape, where she studied Mfundisweni Secondary School before switching Shawbury High School.
In addition to her academic achievements, Winnie Mandela was also appointed Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology of South Africa.
Career
Winnie Mandela began her professional journey as a social worker at Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, making history by becoming the first black person to hold such a prominent role in the field. Her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as head of social welfare of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1962, further cementing her position as a key figure in organization and demonstrates her commitment to social justice and equality.
Her involvement in anti-apartheid activism began in the early 1950s, leading to many arrests and detentions. Despite facing a ban in 1962 and spending 18 months in solitary confinement after her arrest in 1969, Winnie Mandela’s determination to fight apartheid remained steadfast, inspiring hope. and resistance within the black South African community.
Aware of the struggles of families of political prisoners, she founded it Winnie Mandela Family Foundation in 1986 to provide essential support and assistance.
Winnie Mandela’s political involvement increased after Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990. She assumed the presidency of the ANC Women’s League in 1991 and later became Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture. She won a seat in Parliament in 1994 with her spouse, who led South Africa’s first multiracial government at the time.
However, her political career was not without controversy. In 1991, Winnie Mandela was convicted of kidnapping and abusing Stompie Moeketsi, a 14-year-old boy, although her six-year sentence was eventually reduced to a fine. Additionally, Madikizela-Mandela faced charges of fraud and corruption in 1997.
Social Media
- Twitter: @WinnieMandelaZA
- Instagram: @winniemandelaofficial
- Facebook: @WinnieMandelaOfficial
Personal life
Winnie Mandela’s marriage to Nelson Mandela was complicated and full of challenges. Despite their 38-year union, they had to spend considerable time apart due to Nelson’s incarceration and Winnie’s activism. Initially, Winnie supported her husband’s efforts but also struggled with feelings of abandonment and isolation. Over time, she asserted her identity and became increasingly involved in the struggle against apartheid.
During their marriage, Winnie and Nelson Mandela were blessed with two daughters: Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, born in 1958, and Zindziswa Mandela-Hlongwane, who sadly passed away in 2020.
On April 2, 2018, at the age of 81, Winnie Mandela passed away. She is widely recognized as the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela and a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement. The South African government confirmed her death was due to multiple organ failure. In the months before her death, Madikizela-Mandela had been hospitalized for various health problems, including diabetes, hypertension and kidney failure.
Winnie Mandela left behind a large family, including her grandchildren Zoleka Mandela, Prince Cedza Dlamini, Zaziwe Manaway, Zondwa Mandela, Bambatha Mandela, Zamaswazi Dlamini, Zozuko Dlamini, Zinhle Dlamini, Zwelabo Mandela-Hlongwane, as well as great-grandchildren Her names are Zenawe Zibuyile Mandela, Zenani Zanethemba Nomasonto Mandela, Zwelami Zendji Mfanyana Mandela, and Zenani Mandela.
Net value
Winnie Mandela, who served as Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in South Africa, amassed an estimated net worth of $1 million before her death in 2018. Her income included her income as a government official, fees received for speaking engagements, and royalties from her published books.
