Why Winnie Is My Super Role Model

Winnie Madikizela Mandela  was indeed a true mother of Africa. She was a woman like man with strong will and fought endlessly against apartheid in south Africa.

Winnie Mandela took part in many acts including mobilisation of women for rallies against apartheid. Her movement was restricted; she was arrested severally by the police due to her strong opposition of the apartheid but she never gave up the struggle. Winnie was indeed a strong woman.  She didn't have the chance to enjoy her marriage before her husband, the late Nelson Mandela was arrested over his fight against the apartheid government. Besides being a forerunner of the fight against apartheid, he was a lawyer who defended his people when their rights were bridged at court houses and on the streets of the country.

Though his arrest and imprisonment came as a big blow on the freedom fighters but Winnie, his wife was not deterred as she continued with the struggle and fought without her beloved husband on her side and without forgetting her role as a mother who had two Children to carter for.

Africa at large can never forget this heroine. I have been hearing about her exploits from a very tender age but my love for her grew even stronger when I watched the film "South African apartheid". She was indeed a super woman.

 Despite all her struggles and patience, it was so unfortunate that after waiting for almost 30 years in the whirlwind for her imprisoned husband to be released, no one bothered to find out what Winnie needed and wanted, how her life had changed or what her aspiration might be? From the moment she was implicated, it was as if all her past has been erased from the public mind. I couldn't hold back my tears when her late husband eventually divorced her in that "South Africa apartheid film" I watched.

It was so unfortunate by the time Nelson was formally inaugurated as the President of South Africa,Winnie position at the ceremony was vacant. My role model didn't deserve this but she sailed through it stronger and better. Despite the ill-reward she got for all her effort for her people's freedom, she continued serving her people in her own little way. Indeed, Winnie was a special gift to South Africa.

It was even more fortunate that she died on April 2, 2018 without given the due place in the history of her country and the continent at large when she was still alive. But as for me, she will forever be remembered. No matter what, Africa should never forget the great impact of this one in a million woman.

I love my super role model Winnie!

Written By Olugbodi Florence