Entertainment
Winnie Mandela: Flawed Heroine?
South African activist, Winnie Madikizela Mandela has died at the age of 81 after battling a long illness. She was once married to former South Africa’s beloved President, Nelson Mandela of blessed memory but she never cowered in his shadow she was an activist in her own right.
When Gertrude and Columbus Madikizela had their fourth daughter in 1936, they gave her the name Nom Zamo if indeed parents have premonitions of their children’s lives, Winnie Mandela was aptly named “Nom Zamo’ in their native Xhosa Language while literally means “she who strives: for more than six decades, she spent her life striving for justice for herself, her family and her country until her death on Monday April 2nd 2018 at the age of 81.
Her famed marriage to the symbol of anti-apartheid was bound to make her a collaborator in the fight against racial segregation in that country, but her struggle actually began before the two met at a time when it was a rarity for black people to go to school. She attended the Jan H Hopmeyr School of social work and earned a degree in social work at the age of 20.
It was not until two years later that she met a handsome fourth-year-old man at a bus stop where she was trying to get home from her job as a social worker, Rolih Lahla Nelson Mandela a tall charming man and soon enough a romance ensued between them.
Winnie was weary that the man was married and had three children already. He convinced her that the marriage had become strained as a result of his involvement into politics. Eventually, Mandela’s first wife Evelyn Mase filed for divorce, citing adultery on the part of her husband that same year, 1958 Mandela and Winnie got married, their happiness was doomed to be short lived.
In five years, the couple had two daughters, Zenani and Zindziwa but due to his work in fighting against apartheid Mandela was frequently picked up and charged to court. However, in 1963, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of planning a violent over throw of the government.
The responsibility of continuing the struggle fell on the young wife’s shoulders and she carried on where Mandela stopped, she was arrested and detained several times often tortured, but her spirit was never broken she led the political party ANC like an Athena. In 1969 she was kept in solitary confinement for 18 months.
Even when she was banished to exile in 1977, her house was bombed twice by apartheid operatives, but her work was not without controversy. She was widely criticized for endorsing the killing of political opponents and quoted in 1986 as saying: “with our boxes of matches and our necklaces we shall liberate this country (Necklacing as in the burning of people with tyres around their necks).
She was also said to have a security force known as Mandela United Football Club whose role was to kill opponents and turncoats Most notoriously, she and her body guards were accused of slitting the throat of 14 years-old-Stompie Moeketsi who they suspected to be a police informer. She was given a six year jail term but offered the option of a fine.
Her criminal accusations also included several cases of intimidation and blackmail, little wonder publications described her as a “tarnished symbols. When Mandela was released from prison in 1990, she was on his arm and sang the “Bring him home song”. She was by default the frist lady of the new democratic South, Africa.
Like it was before Mandela’s conviction the love was short lived the couple separated in 1992 and finally divorced in 1994. Winnie’s affair with a young lawyer, Dali Mpofu proved too bitter a pill for the old man to swallow, still she was part of his cabinet as deputy minister of Arts, Culture Science and Technology until she was sacked in 1985 after allegations of corruption, she later included her maiden name in full appellation going by Winnie Madikizela Mandela.
In 2003, she was again found guilty of embezzlement and given a suspended sentence of three years, but she returned to politics as a member of parliament from 2009 until her death. Every hero has an achilles heel, perhaps Winnie Mandela’ hubris was her unflinching conviction in whatever she believed in, even when it seemed like the end did not actually justify the means.
She was unflinching and blessed or is it cursed with a scatting tongue. She once reportedly called Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu ( another revered figure in South Africa) a cretin, Mandela himself was not left out of her sharp criticism His Concilliatory approach to the new South Africa with something she did not agree with Mandela did not go to prison and he went in there as a burning young revolutionary”, she once said an interview. But look what came out, Mandela let us down, he agreed to a bad deal for the blacks.
Nevertheless, her devotion to Mandela continued until he died. Many observers believed that the two were sole mates and never actually stopped loving each other even if she went to court to prove that their divorce was a fraud and he completely left her out of his will. Graca Machel whom Mandela later married also had a courteous relationship with her and once said.
“It is unfortunate that in our lives we don’t interact very easily, but I want to state very clearly that Winnie is my hero, Winnie is someone I respect highly since her passing on Monday several nes outlets have described her as a flawed hero mugger and controversial, but she would not have minded her life she repeatedly said was dedicated to the struggle against shite rule, in her words: “I was married to the ANC, it was the best marriage I ever had, I am not sorry, I would never be sorry, I would do everything I did again if I had to everything”, Winnie is survived by two daughters, eight grandchildren and a nation in mourning source, net news ltd.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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