Twitter mourns for anti-apartheid activist Winnie Mandela
Condolences poured in on Twitter for anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who died at 81.
Mandela, who was a controversial figure, was once married to former South African President Nelson Mandela. Most of their marriage occurred when Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island.
Related: Welcome home: Mandela honored on visit to Atlanta
Related: Atlanta mourns Nelson Mandela
Winnie Mandela was a force to be reckoned with in her own right. She was known as “Mother of the Nation” or simply “Mama.” While she could be polarizing, Mandela remained beloved by many.
A spokesman said Mandela, a trained social worker, had been ill for a while and died in Johannesburg surrounded by family and loved ones.
A woman who epitomized how the power of a woman's love, intelligence and vision can change a culture. RIP Winnie Mandela ❤ pic.twitter.com/axAeS7re3u
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 2, 2018
#WinnieMandela True essence of a woman she was. Strong. Fearless. Powerful. Beautiful. Unwavering/Dedicated. Loving. She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/MupYZgyHtd
— Catherine_Graham (@cat1graham) April 2, 2018
Mama Winnie has died. 🤦🏽♂️I’m crying in the car.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) April 2, 2018
May our ancestors welcome her home. ❤️🖤💚
Your are a true struggle HERO, Mama Winnie Mandela! We salute you. #RIPWinnieMandela #WinnieMadikizelaMandela #WinnieMandela #MotheroftheNation pic.twitter.com/o2yNA0i18E
— Christo (@ChristoThurston) April 2, 2018
The apartheid regime tried to break the strength this woman and they FAILED. You fought a courageous fight.
— Itumeleng Molapisi👑 (@Itu_Molapisi) April 2, 2018
Rest in peace Mam Winnie Mandela ✊🏿♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZhLFIDD6vc
Oh! Winnie Mandela is gone. Sleep well madam freedom fighter pic.twitter.com/4SFuMVeOWv
— segun adio (@segunvc) April 2, 2018
Winnie Mandela passed away. I won’t lie I have mixed feelings about some of the things she did as an activist, while her late, former husband Nelson Mandela was in prison, but my prayers go out to her family & friends:
— Talitha McEachin (@tkmceachin) April 2, 2018
Winnie... https://t.co/ECWWSM5tYY
"One of the greatest icons of the struggle against Apartheid. She fought valiantly against the Apartheid state and sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country."
— JuanParksForCongress (@JuanParks4Ga) April 2, 2018
Rest Easy.#4TogetherWeCan https://t.co/pDgYO2589I
A sad day for the country of South Africa, the continent of Africa and the entire world. Winnie...May you Rest In Peace and may your spirit live on forever! 🇿🇦❤️🙏🏽 https://t.co/1v3KuIJ3LC
— Felicia D. Chandler (@ByeFeliciaATL) April 2, 2018
RIP Winnie Mandela.
— I'm Jay. (@nuruJAY) April 2, 2018
A very human giant of our time who played the hand she was dealt.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
