It’s a sad day. Former South African president Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid activist who served 27 years in prison, became South Africa’s first black president. He died at his home on Thursday at age 95. However, his legacy as husband, father, and grandfather lives on. Here, a look at the women he leaves behind.
Evelyn Mase: Mandela married the South African nurse in 1944. Although the couple had four children, the husband and wife grew distant, in part because of Mandela’s involvement with anti-apartheid group, the African National Congress (ANC).
According to a story published in The Guardian, one day Mase returned from a trip to Durban, South Africa, and found her husband’s secretary in their Johannesburg home. Mase reportedly threatened to throw boiling water on the woman, who fled. However, the affair continued.
Eventually, the couple’s marriage crumbled when Mase demanded that Mandela choose between her and the ANC. In 1958, she moved out and took their children with her. She died in 2004 at age 81.
Winnie Mandela: The same year Mandela and Mase divorced, he wed Winnie Madikizela. With her, he had two daughters, Zenani and Zindzi. However, Mandela was imprisoned frequently for anti-apartheid activities. In 1964, he was sentenced to life in prison, while Winnie continued his political efforts. She repeatedly landed in prison herself.
