The Effects Of Winnie Madikizela Mandela On A Nation

The one thing that is certain is that we cannot choose the time and place for which we are born. To make an everlasting impact on a nation is something quite remarkable and extremely rare – especially as a black living in South Africa in the middle of the 20th century. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the wife of Nelson Mandela, broke barriers and will forever stand as one of the most influential women in South African history. Her determination combined with her natural intelligence led her to the place where her impact would be felt for generations to come. Winnie, born with the name of Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela, was raised in rural Pondoland in 1934. Nomzamo translates to one who strives or undergoes trials. Her mother, a science teacher, died when Winnie was only nine years old, leaving behind nine children. Her father, also a teacher, taught history and later became minister of agriculture in the Transkei, a self-governing territory of South Africa. Winnie was extremely intelligent, attending Bizana and Shawbury schools in the Transkei and graduated from Jan Hofmeyer School of Social Work of Johannesburg in 1955. Following her years of school, Winnie took a position at Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, becoming the first black medical social worker in South Africa. Not long after finishing school, Winnie would soon meet someone who would also help change a nation. Nelson Mandela, a young attorney living in Johannesburg and active member of the African National CongressShow MoreRelatedWestern Colonization Has Affected The Ways Countr ies1456 Words   |  6 Pagesaffected the ways countries view themselves in various facets from economically to socially. Although the initial wave of colonialism has somewhat passed, that is the act of going and occupying other territories , Western ideals still manage to have an effect on how countries conduct themselves and how they respond to different situations . When examining South Africa s response to the treatment of Caster Semenya by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) we see this playing out.