On This Day

Winnie Mandela

African activist and politician

Born: Died: South African

Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela (born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela; 26 September 1936 – 2 April 2018), also known as Winnie Mandela, was a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, and second wife of Nelson Mandela. During her political career, she served as a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2003, and from 2009 until her death, and was a deputy minister of arts and culture from 1994 to 1996. A member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party, she served on the ANC's National Executive Committee and headed its Women's League. Madikizela-Mandela was known to her supporters as the "Mother of the Nation".

Born to a Xhosa royal family in Bizana, and a qualified social worker, she married anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in 1958; they remained married for 38 years and had two children together. In 1963, after Mandela was imprisoned following the Rivonia Trial, she became his public face during the 27 years he spent in jail. During that period, she rose to prominence within the domestic anti-apartheid movement.

Notable For

South African activist and politician

Winnie Mandela's Historical Timeline

  1. Nelson & Winnie Mandela visit Leidseplein, Amsterdam

    Nelson & Winnie Mandela visit Leidseplein, Amsterdam

  2. Nelson Mandela announces he will seek divorce from Winnie Madikizela

    Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela (born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela; 26 September 1936 – 2 April 2018), also known as Winnie Mandela, was a South African politician, anti-apartheid…

  3. Winnie Mandela's driver and bodyguard murdered in Johannesburg

    Winnie Mandela's driver and bodyguard murdered in Johannesburg

  4. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela divorces Nelson Mandela after 38 years of marriage

    Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela (born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela; 26 September 1936 – 2 April 2018), also known as Winnie Mandela, was a South African politician, anti-apartheid…

  5. Winnie Mandela dies

    Winnie Mandela, South African african activist and politician, known for south african activist and politician, died on 2018-04-02.

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Winnie Mandela born?
Winnie Mandela was born on 1936-04-02 (South African).
What is Winnie Mandela known for?
South African activist and politician
What historical events involved Winnie Mandela?
Winnie Mandela was involved in 5 recorded historical events, including Nelson & Winnie Mandela visit Leidseplein, Amsterdam, Nelson Mandela announces he will seek divorce from Winnie Madikizela, Winnie Mandela's driver and bodyguard murdered in Johannesburg.
When did Winnie Mandela die?
Winnie Mandela died on 2018-01-01.

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