Best of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela quotes as 80th birthday approaches
Immortalised in South African history books, one of the country's revered struggle icons Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is turning 80 this month. Here are some of our favourites quotes spoken by the freedom fighter.
Born Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela in Bizana, the Eastern Cape, and a social worker by profession - she entered the political arena in the 1950s after joining the ANC and has been involved in pro-democracy efforts since.
Married to the late Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela for almost four decades, Madikizela-Mandela adopted the double-barrelled surname following their divorce in 1996.
She has been linked to the Black Women’s Federation and the Black Parents’ Association, the ANC Women's League and the controversial Mandela United Football Club. She has recently served as a member of the African National Congress’s National Executive Committee.
She is the mother of two - Zindzi and Zenani Mandela and and a grandmother to eight.
Here are some of our favourite quotes by Madikizela-Mandela.
"Together, hand in hand, with our matches and our necklaces, we shall liberate this country."
"I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy."
The scenes of jubilation, the spontaneous outpouring of celebration following FIFA's decision, the solidarity of pride and unity evoked by a sporting event should serve as a shining example to black and white alike."
Madikizela-Mandela's 80th birthday celebrations were held at Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town on Wednesday.
