Johannesburg, South Africa

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela. She was also known as Winnie Mandela. She was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. Winnie was the second wife of Nelson Mandela.  In 1963, after Mandela was imprisoned, 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. Winnie Mandela was detained by apartheid state security services on various occasions. She was tortured and subjected to banning orders. She was banished to a rural town and spent months in solitary confinement. She served as a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2003. She was deputy minister of arts and culture from 1994 to 1996 and served again from 2009 until her death. She was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) political party. She served on the ANC’s National Executive Committee. She also headed its Women’s League. Madikizela-Mandela was known to her supporters as the “Mother of the Nation.”