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Opinions of Monday, 16 April 2018

Columnist: Tinkaro Asare

Winnie Mandela was a heroine in the fight against apartheid

Late Winnie Mandela is former wife of South African icon, Nelson Mandela Late Winnie Mandela is former wife of South African icon, Nelson Mandela

I celebrate Winnie Mandela, a heroine of an African revolution from the state of South Africa (African Continent).

A heroine who went against all the dictatorial rules of the apartheid regime to make an impact in her time.

I celebrate Winnie Mandela, who served as an inspiration for our venerable Nelson Mandela. Winnie never gave up on her desire to liberate her people from the foreign divisionary governance of apartheid.

Winnie was bold, fearless, visionary, selfless and dedicated to a cause she had so much passion and dedication for. Winnie has over the years inspired many young ladies of our generation. She was a heroine of the southern part of Africa who radically and democratically ensured the liberation of the people of South Africa.

A heroine is someone who in the face of danger, combats adversity through ingenuity, bravery or strength, often sacrificing their own personal concerns for a greater good.

Looking at this lexical definition of a heroine, can we say Winnie Mandela was not a heroine for only the people of South Africa?



Winnie Madikizela Mandela lived well. She made an impact, she inspired generations, she was a model of strength, determination and a statue of hope for most women of South Africa and her influence extended beyond the territories of South Africa. Her fearless spirit has over the years been used by women of our continent to stand firm in honesty and truth in the fight for a good cause.

Her passion to the cause was unprecedented and I am not surprised why at some points, Nelson Mandela asked himself on several occasions the kind of person Winnie had become since she was not a freedom fighter before she met Madiba. Winnie was a freedom fighter.

The story of Winnie Mandela should serve as encouragement to the youth of today especially our women. Winnie went through a lot of difficulties in her desire to fight for freedom especially when Madiba was in prison and that was not an easy battle to fight but she stood firm and achieved her target of liberation

Winnie Mandela embraced the liberation struggle. She married the liberation and gave herself for the liberation struggle.

The continent of Africa appreciates Winnie Mandela for her selflessness. She was not a perfect human being but she deserves to be celebrated for all her goodness to the people of South Africa

Just like the people's poet Mzwakhe Mbuli would say ' "The Spear has fallen, the tree has fallen ". "She was allergic to cowardice and addicted to freedom. Her legacy cannot be buried. There is no grave big enough"