User:Nomadiko

Perhaps greatness was imbedded within her name -- Nomzamo, and Winifred is her christening name. Traditionally Xhosa names carry significance; Nomzamo means “trial” (Xhosa), momentous to the trials this woman would endure in life. Upon her christening, her father gave her the name Winifred because of his admiration for the Germans. He believed the name had great roots. Arriving in Johannesburg she was merely a girl from Bizana, a rural area in the Transkei. She was not politically involved, let alone active, until she met Nelson Mandela. She had heard stories about the “man,” but had never imagined nor understood what it would mean to be in the presence of a man of such stature. Winnie was always a brilliant student. She excelled in primary school through secondary school. The biographer reports that her leadership qualities surfaced at a young age, as “The Shawbury girls elected her chief monitor (Meltzer. 9).” By sixteen years of age she matriculated secondary school, and thereafter she attended Hofmyer School in Johannesburg. The discipline and eagerness to learn instilled in her by her father, who pushed her to earn a full scholarship. Winnie would prove worthy of the scholarship as she paved the way for black medical social workers, but mainly black women. Jim Haskins explains, “Not only was she the first black medical social worker in the country, she was also a girl from rural Pondoland who had succeeded against many odds” (Haskin 60).” She then took her skills to Baragwaneth Hospital, occupying the most respected job held by a black person. Her accomplishments brought about a certain amount of attention; she was admired by most, and she entered a small group of blacks who were in the elite. As her professional life took off, her personal life was about to become a series of gigantic vicissitudes. Winnie became a diligent African National Congress supporter, and she studied politics every chance she got. Her friendship with Adelaide Tambo (Oliver Tambo’s wife) gave her the opportunity to meet and impress Nelson Mandela. The pair appeared to be the perfect match, and despite the eighteen-year age difference they courted and soon wed. Winnie demonstrated resilience, love, and a nurturing ability as her life became public and chaotic. She had the ability to gain the attention of thousands of people by merely making an appearance, being Nelson Mandela’s wife people gave her that respect but she also commanded her audience. She knew how to sympathize, energize, and above all knew that she could lead and took advantage of her standing with the people of South Africa. Authorities were frequent visitors to her new home, making their raids in the wee hours of the morning. The partnership proved to be mind-blowing, as described by Nancy Harrison, “It was obvious to their friends that Nelson was grooming her to play an important role in the movement and that she was well fitted for that (p.60).” An extraordinary factor about the couple as recorded by Nancy Harrison was that, “for many of their discussions were about the political situation (p.57).” Winnie became an apprentice in the short period of time she spent with Nelson. She had to be strong and had to stand tall, for her fight was just beginning. When Nelson was sentenced to life imprisonment, she made a promise to him, quoted by Harrison, “I will continue to fight as I have in the past (p.32).” She lived up to that promise. Winnie demonstrated for her people’s freedom, and she cared for the families less fortunate than hers. Her house became a pillar for the women in Soweto, and her door was always open. She became a voice of her own and was no longer viewed as Nelson’s wife. Her actions would prove to be a force to reckon with. The Mandela household was tough. Winnie started her leadership at home. On one occasion she was arrested and appeared in court; her daughters were present to support her. Upon her sentencing, Zinzdi (2nd child) began to weep and Winnie boldly told her daughter, “You must never cry because you are giving them satisfaction if you do so “(Meltzer p37). That stuck with Zindzi. That was the kind of mother she was to her children, the mother she became to the nation. When she got married, it was unsaid, but she knew that Nelson’s first priority was the struggle. As quoted by Harrison; “I married the struggle, the liberation of my people (Meltzer p24). Winnie was young and fairly naïve, but that quickly changed as she became too familiar with the authorities. The first protest Winnie part took in was an anti-pass protest, which eventually led to her losing her job due to being imprisoned. Jail was hard on the young pregnant mother, and she almost lost her child. When she decided to join the ANC she had great counsel from her husband and she knew the consequences. She was a woman on a mission. She would prove to be a force to reckon with. Winnie became a revered political figure in her own right, speaking out against apartheid. In prison, Winnie was a voice for all, as she feared no one and nothing. Her ability to stand her ground and let her views be known astounded some of the women in prisoner. She lived the struggle, whether it was through imprisonment or banishment. In prison she was beaten, and tortured to the point that she passed out. She survived food poisoning, and endured embarrassing strip searches. The Boers underestimated Winnie - they assumed that in Nelson’s absence she would be an easy target, but instead she proved herself a committed fighter for the liberation of the black people. After serving one of her prison sentences Winnie came out with new insight stating; “I got more liberated in prison (Meltzer p.42).” She was in jail for a total of 491 days and the people did not loose faith nor hope in her. She would prove worthy of their love and support. While in banishment in Brandfort, Winnie used her time wisely reaching out to the community. She was always warm-hearted, and people responded to her ubuntu, which means humanity. In banishment she created a new home for her children. She always regretted not being able to be a real mother to her kids. They had to share their parents with a nation; they suffered for the greater good of abantu (African people). In Brandfort, Winnie became deathly ill, but she refused to be attended by any doctor except her family doctor who was in Johannesburg. That revealed how indomitable she really was. Authorities allowed her to seek treatment in Johannesburg, fearing loosing a Mandela with the whole world watching. She became an international icon, much like her imprisoned husband. In some countries she was more recognized than Nelson. Yet, in her own country she was bannedon television station, radio, or newspaper. Her passion for the struggle was rooted in her childhood; her father had opened her eyes to the harsh realities. When she learned how the Xhosa’s lost the early battles between the blacks and whites, she swore to herself, “I will start out from where those Xhosa left off and get my land back” (Meltzer p.8). Moving back to Soweto was monumental for Winnie, for she returned “home.” She had beaten the odds, and the Boers could not break her spirits. They had thrown everything at her and still she rose unhindered. She formed a youth club, best known as the Mandela Football Club. They did some rather dreadful things, such as seek out the so called “informers” and make them “disappear”. One could argue that the disappearance of Stompie Seipei made and destroyed Winnie. As a leader she proved herself, she was prepared to die for the cause and her people. Being in and out of jail she became an expert in challenging authority. She knew which appearances mattered most. She was banned from public gatherings but she had studied the law and often got away with some appearances. Her presence or even her appearance in rallies gave the South African people hope. She gave them assurance. She would address the crowds feeding their hearts with hope. She commanded respect, putting up her fist and shouting “viva ANC viva”. The crowd would go wild responding “viva” in acknowledgement. When she attended a public gathering in Brandfort, the police let her go without harassment. All her hard work, fighting the Apartheid regime, she made it. She lived to see the day of a better South Africa. Winnie Mandela was united with her husband on February 11th, 1991, the day he was released from prison. Their cause was not in vain, and her ability to continue the struggle without Nelson by her side was monumental on its own. South Africa would be a better country filled with equal opportunity for all. Her desire to fight for her beliefs, and her land had paid off. Winnie is regarded a threat by others, but that is only because she is tenacious. Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela Mandela entered the struggle a young woman, and came out a wise woman. Her physical scars may not be vivid to the naked eye, but one can be assured that her heart and soul will forever relive those dark days. Dr. Motlana described Winnie as, “powerful, faithful, and honest. And above all, brave” (Meltzer p44) her daughter Zinzdi got to see a different side of Winnie, the motherly side. Having lived and observed her mother she said, “She is a very sweet person, but when she gets into those fights with the police, it’s bad; she’s got a hell of a temper (Meltzer p.37).” Winnie will forever be known for ubuntu, and her big heart -warming smile. The beautiful young girl from a rural area in Transkei had made her mark in the world. She was a pioneer, and she lived her dream. She fought the good fight; apartheid would no longer rule her people. Apartheid was a method of racial segregation used by the whites in South Africa. Winnie has forever changed women’s roles in history. Her love for Nelson allowed her to become a leader in her own right. As he was a father to a nation, she then embraced her place beside him accepting her role as a mother to the nation. Winnie Mandela lived an unparalleled life, and not even her husband has walked in her shoes. Some believe that she should have been a president: better yet, the first female president. Her leadership in the past shows her capable. She was the president for ANC Women’s Association, and she upheld a position in parliament. Fighting apartheid, amongst most will remain the most valuable struggle she will be recognized for. Leaving the Traanskei, Winnie did not foresee herself as historical figure; loved by most and seen as a threat by others. Women have faith in her, and as she would say “Amandla Ngawethu!”.