Winnie Mandela, a woman that has made an immeasurable impact on the history of South Africa and beyond, has passed away. The former wife of late President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, she played a critical role in the anti-apartheid movement and was banished and confined several times throughout her life as she fought for justice. All the while, she possessed grace, strength, and beauty. Take a look back at her life in pictures.
01
1957
Winnie marries Nelson Mandela.
02
1958
Winnie and Nelson are all smiles in Ponderland, South Africa.
03
1977
Winnie during her exile in Brandfort, South Africa.
04
1987
Winnie raises a clenched fist during the funeral of Sello Motau, senior member of the “Umkhonto We Sizwe.”
05
1986
Winnie arriving at the town of Brandfort, where she was banished for nine years, bringing boxes of toys for local children.
06
1990
Winnie leaves the Tokoza police station Wednesday, after being detained briefly.
07
1990
Winnie on an 8 city US tour with her husband.
08
1990
Winnie and Nelson in Washington D.C. for a tribute and luncheon at the White House with President George Bush.
09
1990
Winnie and Nelson are honorerd with weeklong festivities during “Nelson Mandela Week” in New York City.
10
1990
Winnie and Nelson attend a ceremony in his honour at Trocadero Square on the Plaza of Freedom and Human right in Paris.
11
1990
Winnie and Nelson play with their grandchild Bambata at their Soweto home.
12
1990
Winnie in n Cape Town, South Africa.
13
1990
Winnie and Nelson Mandela enjoy a warm welcome at Queens Park, Toronto.
14
1990
Winnie poses for a portrait in South Africa.
15
1993
Winnie waves during the unveiling of the tombstone for slain South African Communist Party leader Chris Hani at Elsburg Park cemetery
16
1994
Winnie participates in a mass rally addressed by Nelson Mandela, in Mmabatho.
17
2004
Winnie arrives at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for the inauguration of President Tahbo Mbeki.
18
2009
Winnie and Gwen Ramokgopa attend a meeting in honor of Nelson Mandela at Freedom Park in Pretoria, South Africa.
19
2010
Winnie looks on during the funeral of anti apartheid stalwart and Women’s Rights activist Fatima Meer.
20
2011
Winnie at the opening of the renovated Soweto campus of the University of Johannesburg.
21
2013
Winnie speaks to the media following an interfaith prayer service for Nelson Mandela.
22
2013
Winnie holds a copy of her book “491 Days: Prisoner Number 1323/6” in Johannesburg.
23
2013
Winnie sits with Idris Elba, who played the role of Nelson Mandela in the movie “Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom” at the movie’s premiere in Johannesburg.
24
2013
Winnie attends a service during a day of prayer in honor of her late ex-husband Nelson Mandela.
25
2014
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is all smiles during her 78th birthday celebrations at the Mandela restaurant in Soweto, South Africa.
26
2015
Winnie attends ANC’s 103rd birthday celebrations at Cape Town Stadium, South Africa.
27
2016
28
2017
