Winnie Mandela was known as “Mother of the Nation” to South Africans, to the rest of the world she was a political icon and beacon of hope.
Though Winnie Mandela’s life met its unfortunate end on April 2nd 2018 her spirit leaves on among the many she inspired.As the world mourns her death, many will remember her strength and poise even in the toughest of times. The South African political icon laid to rest on the 14th of April,she will be remembered for her great contributions to the liberation of South Africa during the era of Apartheid.
Embracing her femininity, Mrs. Mandela never shied away from being herself even when faced with the hardest of obstacles. With her strength she reminded many that a woman is more than a pretty face, she became a conduit for change, spearheading the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa.
Here are a few of her best quotes that will continue to inspire generations of African feminists.
1.” Together, hand in hand, with our matches and our necklaces, we shall liberate this country.”
2.”There is no longer anything I can fear. There is nothing the government has not done to me. There isn’t any pain I haven’t known.”
3.”If you are to free yourselves you must break the chains of oppression yourselves. Only then can we express our dignity, only when we have liberated ourselves can we co-operate with other groups. Any acceptance of humiliation, indignity or insult is acceptance of inferiority.”
4. “To those who oppose us, we say, ‘Strike the woman, and you strike the rock’.”
5. “I am not sorry. I will never be sorry. I would do everything again if I had to. Everything.
“I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy.”
6. “There is no longer anything I can fear. There is nothing the government has not done to me. There isn’t any pain I haven’t known.”
7. “It is only when all black groups, join hands and speak with one voice that we shall be a bargaining force which will decide its own destiny.”
