Winnie Mandela wants Qunu: Lawyers file claim

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's lawyers have filed papers at the high court in Mthatha, to lay a claim on her former husband’s home in Qunu. Madikizela-Mandela says the house belongs to her in terms of customary law. While Nelson Mandela's will says"The Qunu property should be used inorder to preserve the unity of the Mandela family".

Wishes pour in for Winne Mandela on her 78th birthday

Winnie Madikizela Mandela, affectionately referred to as “Mother of the Nation” by many South Africans, celebrates her 78th Birthday this Friday.

The struggle icon and wife of former president Nelson Mandela was honoured with many birthday wishes on social media on Friday morning from her own family and other well known South Africans.

She was born in Mbongweni village in the Eastern Cape in 1936.

After completing a degree in social work in 1955, she moved to Johannesburg to become the first black qualified social worker at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

She later joined the ANC and married Mandela in 1958. For most of her married life she was separated from Mandela while he was imprisoned on Robben Island.

Graca Machel and Winnie Mandela

Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel and ex wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela held onto each other as they moved towards the site where Nelson Mandela  will be buried in Qunu. The approximately 5000 guests at the funeral stood silently when Mandela flag dragged coffin was carried out by senior military officers. 

Graca Machel and Winnie Madikizela Mandela at the arrival of Nelson Mandela at Mthatha airport.

Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela Mandela

Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela Mandela on their wedding day.