There can be no doubt that the passing of Winnie Mandela has rocked the foundation of women activism in Africa. Why and how? One may ask. Since her death earlier this month, tributes have been pouring in from far and wide for the anti-apartheid activist. She has been described variously as a woman who easily combined beauty, with strength, resilience, optimism and consistency to emerge as the most influential African woman in the last one century.
Incidentally, Graca Machel, the woman who took over her position as the spouse of Nelson Mandela, said Winnie’s role in African politics and social work has had an enormous effect on gender roles and politics in the continent.
Graca Machel described Winnie Mandela as uncompromising in the defense and protection of the rights of Black people – an example of resilient fortitude and inextinguishable passion that is a source of inspiration to all women of how to courageously confront challenges with unwavering strength and determination.
Many commentators agree that Winnie Mandela’s “legacy will be an example of resilient fortitude and inextinguishable passion.” They described her commitment to social justice as not just a model for African women but the world. The Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, reffered to Winnie as a source of inspiration but noted that her environment contributed in making her the brand that she was.
In Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi’s words, “Winnie was an activist, a mother, a good wife and grassroots politician. She was an epitome of a woman who combined various attributes to have a voice in the society. Without Winnie there may have been no Mandela because if she had compromised, Mandela would have been compromised. African women should see Winnie as the knight of the continent”.
The commentators said there are a lot of lessons African women will learn from the type of politics Winnie Mandela played – politics that is driven by ideology. They have urged African women to follow her steps because nobody dropped such a role on her tracks; she played it creditably due to her consistency and radical disposition.
