Winnie Mandela emerges as Africa’s greatest female liberation fighter
A survey of young South Africans has identified the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as the continent's greatest female liberation fighter. The findings, released to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March, highlight her enduring legacy among generations born after apartheid.
Why it matters
The survey underscores the shifting historical perspectives of post-apartheid youth and the continued cultural relevance of anti-apartheid icons in modern South African political discourse.
Winnie Mandela Quick Read Young South Africans have named Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as Africa’s greatest female liberation fighter, according to previously unpublished findings from the Africa Youth Survey 2026.
Young South Africans have named Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as Africa’s greatest female liberation fighter, according to previously unpublished findings from the Africa Youth Survey 2026.
Winnie Mandela was a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist She died on April 2, 2018 at the age of 81.
The findings,which marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, showed that 51 per cent of respondents selected Winnie Mandela as the continent’s greatest female liberation fighter.
She recorded more than eight times the support of her nearest South African rivals, Albertina Sisulu and Helen Joseph, who polled six per cent and five per cent respectively.
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