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The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela
The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela charts the rise and fall—and rise, again—of one of South Africa’s most controversial political figures. ‘Ma Winnie’ fought apartheid with uncommon ferocity, but her implication in kidnapping, torture and killings—including the murder of 14-year-old Stompie Seipei—would later see her shunned.
Sisonke Msimang argues that this complicated woman was not witch but warrior: that her violence, like that of the men she fought alongside, was a function of her political views rather than a descent into madness. In resurrecting Ma Winnie, Msimang asks what it means to reclaim this powerful woman as an icon while honouring apartheid’s victims—those who were collateral damage and whose stories have yet to be told.
Sisonke Msimang argues that this complicated woman was not witch but warrior: that her violence, like that of the men she fought alongside, was a function of her political views rather than a descent into madness. In resurrecting Ma Winnie, Msimang asks what it means to reclaim this powerful woman as an icon while honouring apartheid’s victims—those who were collateral damage and whose stories have yet to be told.
Mass Market Paperback
Published April 2, 2019
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About the author
Sisonke Msimang
11 books88 followersSisonke Msimang is a writer and activist who works on race, gender, democracy and politics. She divides her time between Perth and Johannesburg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 26, 2021
Informative. Sad. Happy. Wanting. All rolled into one book on 1 woman and her fight against an apartheid regime and injustice.
Read
April 8, 2019‘An extraordinary portrait….An essential addition to the intersectional feminist archive.’
Better Read Than Dead
Better Read Than Dead
July 3, 2024
I dearly love Sisonke Msimang's way with both words and analysis, and this is a great little book celebrating, and to some extent lamenting, Winne Mandela. Msimang aims to contextualise Mandela's bad press within both mistakes of the ANC as a whole, and also within the frame of Mandela's trauma. The result is a slightly sad read, but one which challenges many now-accepted narratives about the end of Apartheid, in ways which will be important to history. I truly wish she would write more.
November 24, 2023
Stunning and revelatory.
December 15, 2024
Lots of complicated feelings about Winnie Mandela. I wonder if i would have the same feelings if she was man
February 17, 2020
'The erasure of Winnie Mandela felt all too familiar. Women are written out of history all the time. And yet I had grown up knowing she was a force.'
Sisonke Msimang lays out her reasons for writing this book in the introduction:
'I cannot pretend otherwise: I am interested in redeeming Ma Winnie. But acknowledging her role in the fight for freedom, and the violence done to her, is impossible without acknowledging her own violence against others ---- the kidnappings, beatings and murders carried out on her orders. This book is an attempt to grapple with her complexity, to write into her contradictions rather than shy away from them.'
When the biography starts, Msimang uses the second person when directly talking to/about Winnie;
'You, Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela, are born in a small place. '
It is hypnotising. I nearly missed 2 train stops because I was so engrossed. We learn of the land she was brought up on, her homestead called Mbizana and her tall regal Gogo becomes etched through prose into the consciousness. Winnie is taught to respect her skin, culture and to be aware of the white man's counter-narrative. This grounded upbringing prepares her for the battles to come.
Msimang does offer the full picture of this amazing woman, which doesn't make the murky parts easier to read. For Winnie South Africa was at war and having lost so much herself, she counted loss as a part of war.
'You are a woman who has learned to live without hope. You have carefully steeled yourself against personal expectations because too often your private wishes have come to nought. Still, you can't help yourself. Hope is inherent to living. '
'I know that there are hundreds of women just like you, standing still and breathing deeply, at that very same moment, in almost every government-erected block of concrete across South Africa. Like you, they have learned to hold in the pain, to recover their composure and lift their heads high in order to face their children and the world.'
Sisonke Msimang lays out her reasons for writing this book in the introduction:
'I cannot pretend otherwise: I am interested in redeeming Ma Winnie. But acknowledging her role in the fight for freedom, and the violence done to her, is impossible without acknowledging her own violence against others ---- the kidnappings, beatings and murders carried out on her orders. This book is an attempt to grapple with her complexity, to write into her contradictions rather than shy away from them.'
When the biography starts, Msimang uses the second person when directly talking to/about Winnie;
'You, Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela, are born in a small place. '
It is hypnotising. I nearly missed 2 train stops because I was so engrossed. We learn of the land she was brought up on, her homestead called Mbizana and her tall regal Gogo becomes etched through prose into the consciousness. Winnie is taught to respect her skin, culture and to be aware of the white man's counter-narrative. This grounded upbringing prepares her for the battles to come.
Msimang does offer the full picture of this amazing woman, which doesn't make the murky parts easier to read. For Winnie South Africa was at war and having lost so much herself, she counted loss as a part of war.
'You are a woman who has learned to live without hope. You have carefully steeled yourself against personal expectations because too often your private wishes have come to nought. Still, you can't help yourself. Hope is inherent to living. '
'I know that there are hundreds of women just like you, standing still and breathing deeply, at that very same moment, in almost every government-erected block of concrete across South Africa. Like you, they have learned to hold in the pain, to recover their composure and lift their heads high in order to face their children and the world.'
September 12, 2021
An examination of the story of Winnie Mandela, who became such a point of blame and a pariah shouldering the responsibility of much of the violent uprising that saw the end of apartheid in South Africa.
This is about truth telling, but including the flawed aspects of such a powerful and incredibly strong woman of resistance. A review of the accusations thrown at her, which were also skimmed over for the men who did and said the very same. A reminder that a woman in history is rarely looked upon or remembered fondly, nor fairly.
Written in the second person, this book is told as an ode, or almost a love letter to Ma Winnie. It's proud of her, her struggles, her background, how she came to be such a figure in South African politics. Becoming a Social Worker, from such small, disadvantaged beginnings. Her love story with one of the most known names in world history. Winnie's role alongside him, and in his place throughout his years, and years in prison.
The history of colonialism in South Africa is one I haven't come across before, in all my reading of the history, so this was fascinating. The rich clan understanding of a heritage.
Not an apology, nor even a read that leaves you with clear thoughts on a complicated story of history, but one that is important and more complete than is usually told.
Winnie as a powerful fighter, unapologetic for her role in carving out a better way.
This is about truth telling, but including the flawed aspects of such a powerful and incredibly strong woman of resistance. A review of the accusations thrown at her, which were also skimmed over for the men who did and said the very same. A reminder that a woman in history is rarely looked upon or remembered fondly, nor fairly.
Written in the second person, this book is told as an ode, or almost a love letter to Ma Winnie. It's proud of her, her struggles, her background, how she came to be such a figure in South African politics. Becoming a Social Worker, from such small, disadvantaged beginnings. Her love story with one of the most known names in world history. Winnie's role alongside him, and in his place throughout his years, and years in prison.
The history of colonialism in South Africa is one I haven't come across before, in all my reading of the history, so this was fascinating. The rich clan understanding of a heritage.
Not an apology, nor even a read that leaves you with clear thoughts on a complicated story of history, but one that is important and more complete than is usually told.
Winnie as a powerful fighter, unapologetic for her role in carving out a better way.
February 22, 2025
Winnie Mandela: A Life of Controversy, Courage, and Complexity provides a concise yet powerful exploration of one of South Africa’s most polarizing figures. Known as the “Mother of the Nation,” Winnie Mandela’s life embodies resilience, activism, and moral complexity. This biography recounts her evolution from a social worker to a prominent anti-apartheid leader, carrying the torch of resistance during Nelson Mandela’s 27-year imprisonment.
While celebrated for her courage, Winnie’s legacy is clouded by her association with the Mandela United Football Club, accused of violence during the 1980s. The book presents her as a leader shaped by a brutal era, neither canonizing nor condemning her actions.
Key Takeaways:
The Duality of Leadership: Winnie’s unwavering fight for justice inspired millions, though her methods sometimes crossed ethical lines, highlighting the moral complexities of revolutionary movements.
Gender and Power: Facing both political oppression and gender discrimination, Winnie defied traditional roles, becoming a feminist icon. Yet, unlike her male counterparts, her missteps were scrutinized more harshly.
Legacy and Redemption: Winnie’s legacy remains contested—some view her as a symbol of empowerment, while others see her association with violence as a stain on her contributions.
While celebrated for her courage, Winnie’s legacy is clouded by her association with the Mandela United Football Club, accused of violence during the 1980s. The book presents her as a leader shaped by a brutal era, neither canonizing nor condemning her actions.
Key Takeaways:
The Duality of Leadership: Winnie’s unwavering fight for justice inspired millions, though her methods sometimes crossed ethical lines, highlighting the moral complexities of revolutionary movements.
Gender and Power: Facing both political oppression and gender discrimination, Winnie defied traditional roles, becoming a feminist icon. Yet, unlike her male counterparts, her missteps were scrutinized more harshly.
Legacy and Redemption: Winnie’s legacy remains contested—some view her as a symbol of empowerment, while others see her association with violence as a stain on her contributions.
June 14, 2025
In this book Sisonke Msimang is giving a voice to the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. She gives us a glimpse into her childhood in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape where she lost her mother at a very early age. Then she moved to Johannesburg where she later became a nurse and fell in love with Mandela, their marriage and having kids. Most parts of the book focused on her struggles as a freedom fighter and a wife of Mandela who was imprisoned for so many years how she suffered or fought while he was detained. The author highlight that were circumstances that might have made Winnie not being viewed as a saint (such as what she charged with at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission) and at the same time she was a woman that was left alone while her husband was detained. So it was nice to read more about Winnie and what she endured.
These are some of the quotes that I liked:
“Johannesburg affirms your innate belief that women can do anything they want to do…But now you also realise there is a world of ideas in which women must involve themselves.”
“This is the most profound solidarity there is: to fall in love; and then, in the service of freedom, to be prevented from fulfilling that love.”
“Men have needs. Women sacrifice. Women are loyal. Men are men.”
These are some of the quotes that I liked:
“Johannesburg affirms your innate belief that women can do anything they want to do…But now you also realise there is a world of ideas in which women must involve themselves.”
“This is the most profound solidarity there is: to fall in love; and then, in the service of freedom, to be prevented from fulfilling that love.”
“Men have needs. Women sacrifice. Women are loyal. Men are men.”
December 5, 2020
A beautifully written book - in second person, which is unusual.
As the author says, "We like our heroines to be courageous, but we don't want them to be messy."
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was an astonishing woman, in both her courage and in her supreme messiness, and I have deeply conflicted feelings about her. She was both brilliant and brutal. It may be more comfortable to erase her legacy, to avoid facing its contradictions, but we are doing history – and women – a disservice if we take that easier path.
I wanted to say something about South African Black women in that last sentence, but it is not my place to speak for Black women.
I am grateful to Sisonke Msimang for writing "The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela." It doesn't flinch from the ugliness. It reveals the human being behind the iconic images and shocking headlines. It makes no apology for its admiration of Madikizela-Mandela's strength and achievements.
I am no less conflicted after reading than before.
As the author says, "We like our heroines to be courageous, but we don't want them to be messy."
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was an astonishing woman, in both her courage and in her supreme messiness, and I have deeply conflicted feelings about her. She was both brilliant and brutal. It may be more comfortable to erase her legacy, to avoid facing its contradictions, but we are doing history – and women – a disservice if we take that easier path.
I wanted to say something about South African Black women in that last sentence, but it is not my place to speak for Black women.
I am grateful to Sisonke Msimang for writing "The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela." It doesn't flinch from the ugliness. It reveals the human being behind the iconic images and shocking headlines. It makes no apology for its admiration of Madikizela-Mandela's strength and achievements.
I am no less conflicted after reading than before.
November 11, 2023
What a book! Sisonke Msimang is such a brilliant writer.
This is not a biography of Ma’Winnie. This is a thought-provoking piece of art. This is a love letter to Ma’Winnie. This is a reflection of Ma’Winnie as a human being and not just a politician. This is the acknowledgment that people, the world, aren’t just black and white, but grey areas exist.
In this book, Sisonke explores some of the things Ma’Winnie went through, did, and who she was until the end, not to expose apartheid, but for us to put ourselves in Ma’Winnie’s shoes. She acknowledges that some of her actions were not morally right. However, having been through what she went through, is it really a wonder she resorted to certain actions? If the apartheid Whites got a free pass, why shouldn’t she have?
The style of writing is superb. It reads like a love letter or even a diary entry of someone pondering about the personality that is Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
This is not a biography of Ma’Winnie. This is a thought-provoking piece of art. This is a love letter to Ma’Winnie. This is a reflection of Ma’Winnie as a human being and not just a politician. This is the acknowledgment that people, the world, aren’t just black and white, but grey areas exist.
In this book, Sisonke explores some of the things Ma’Winnie went through, did, and who she was until the end, not to expose apartheid, but for us to put ourselves in Ma’Winnie’s shoes. She acknowledges that some of her actions were not morally right. However, having been through what she went through, is it really a wonder she resorted to certain actions? If the apartheid Whites got a free pass, why shouldn’t she have?
The style of writing is superb. It reads like a love letter or even a diary entry of someone pondering about the personality that is Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
March 29, 2024
It’s not a thick book but it is dense with rich detail about the life of one of history’s most controversial leaders. I thought I could read it in a single sitting but I often had to put it down to process all of the emotions that surfaced for me as the text gave deeper insight into a complex human who loved hard and fought hard under one of the most brutal and oppressive regimes in the world. At its heart, this is the story of so many African women who are denied the right to be messy and grab the limelight, to be mothers, soldiers for the revolution, wives and lovers all rolled into one complex humanity. Sisonke Msimang has created a bit more breathing room for African women to just be and to command the kind of unconditional love and respect Postcolonial nation states often only reserve for men.
December 29, 2018
Short and Sweet
It’s a beautifully sad account of a woman who can easily loved or hated depending on your politics. Sisonke does a lovely job at painting the context and picture of Winnie’s conflict as a woman, wife and struggle hero. It’s a quick read but takes you through various emotions. I loved it. Good book for those looking for a contextual reminder of South Africa and the cost of love and the pursuit of freedom.
It’s a beautifully sad account of a woman who can easily loved or hated depending on your politics. Sisonke does a lovely job at painting the context and picture of Winnie’s conflict as a woman, wife and struggle hero. It’s a quick read but takes you through various emotions. I loved it. Good book for those looking for a contextual reminder of South Africa and the cost of love and the pursuit of freedom.
Read
November 3, 2024Read for class — This entire history is written in the 2nd person, which was really odd and often threw me out of the text. Felt more juvenile than inspiring. I also didn't like how Msimang didn't use in-line citations. I don't feel like I got a complete enough picture of Winnie Mandela, and I'll need to read another text to get that impression. A lot of Winnie's darker actions were airbrushed and sugarcoated. It felt more like a long prose-poem than a critical account of history.
November 29, 2024
This is such an important book. The general feeling about Winnie, from my little knowledge, was of a problematic terrorist and a woman prone to violence. I am now aware of the many layers and intricacies of Winnie herself, her politics and her relationships, and how her legacy has been tainted by sexism, and very biased and bad journalism. There is no denying that Winnie has been violent and has had problematic relationships. However, this must be shown in the context of a brutal system of apartheid that kept black people in a constant state of fear. As the author says: ‘We cannot be defined by the worst that we have been.’ Winnie was imprisoned, tortured and became a banned person, and waited so long for her beloved husband. They had a great love story however flawed it became.
October 15, 2019
If you think you already know Winnie Mandela’s story … think again and get a copy of this book. In The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela, Sisonke Msimang has taken an extremely challenging and complicated story and written it with care, heart, and wisdom. The end result is a thoughtful, exquisitely written, heart-breaking and necessary book.
February 19, 2020
Well written exploration of the life of the controversial wife of Nelson Mandela. Sisonke highlights the effects of brutality inflicted over many years on a strong woman, who never gives up. Unfortunately it seems her exposure to brutality takes its toll, and she herself is accused of and encourages violent actions.
April 15, 2019
The two voices running through this book, one gives the history of apartheid and the other speaking to Winnie in second person - unusual and effective. Complex meanings and understandings which break through the stereotypes- excellent.
December 23, 2019
This is a page turner! Read it in one sitting, beautifully written gives a glimpse into Mama Winnie's mind and I love how she also brings in the history part of it. A true befitting dedication, may she continue to rest in power ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
June 15, 2022
I read this in an afternoon after it was sitting on my shelf forever. I love Winnie’s story and think it’s important to remember and highlight these POWERFUL women that stand with/behind/around influential men.
Might re-read Long Walk to Freedom soon.
Might re-read Long Walk to Freedom soon.
August 19, 2025
Review also available on @the_diaspora_reader
I wish I had a video of me pacing up and down after I finished this. For Msimang’s conclusion/epilogue alone I was practically clapping and reading
I wish I had a video of me pacing up and down after I finished this. For Msimang’s conclusion/epilogue alone I was practically clapping and reading
November 14, 2018
Moving, thought-provoking, and beautifully told.
July 18, 2019
An excellent read
March 24, 2020
Incredibly interesting. POV worked really well, as did the knowledge of how women are written in and out of history.
July 12, 2021
Absolutely brilliant.
Loved the choice to write it in the second person, inviting the reader more deeply into Winnie Mandela's story.
Loved the choice to write it in the second person, inviting the reader more deeply into Winnie Mandela's story.
September 24, 2023
loved. uniquely enlightening. we do not afford women in history enough light. especially when they are imperfect.
April 9, 2024
Who is Nelson
April 15, 2024
I wish it was longer.
June 6, 2019
Sisonke works her magic on the story of Ma Winnie, the fearless, unapologetic, controversial and defiant woman who gave her life, love and reputation to the struggle. A bold analysis that delves through the inequalities of today's south Africa, and the past, through Winnie's eyes.
May 12, 2021
The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela is a beautifully ul written book. It is a page turner and I read it in one sitting. The book is written in second person which is unusual . I love how the author painted a picture of Mama Winnie as a black South African woman, wife, mother and struggle hero. I also loved how she handled Mama Winnie’s complicated and extremely challenging story with care, respect and wisdom.
This is a VERY VERY VERY important book as it is moving and thought- provoking . I got to learn more about Mama Winnie and her fight against the apartheid regime and injustice.
May she continue to rest in peace.
This is a VERY VERY VERY important book as it is moving and thought- provoking . I got to learn more about Mama Winnie and her fight against the apartheid regime and injustice.
May she continue to rest in peace.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews