The Trials of Winnie Mandela — Season 1, Episode 4: Chapter 4: NOBANDLA – She Who Is of the People (1990 – 1996)

Episode synopsis

Nelson Mandela walks free, Apartheid falls and becomes President of a democratic South Africa. The love story that once captivated the world fractures under the weight of politics and ideology. Winnie faces a kidnapping charge and is linked to a romantic relationship with a young lawyer. As President, Nelson removes her from his cabinet, citing her disregard for his leadership and negotiated settlement. Winnie remains unapologetic, rejecting compromise she believes betrayed revolutionary ideals. The separation that follows marks the end of both a marriage and a political partnership that once symbolised hope. Sitting across from her grandmother, Swati and Zaziwe press gently but firmly: was this the cost of conviction – or the continuation of isolation?

About The Trials of Winnie Mandela

Directed by the late, two-time Emmy Award®-winning documentary filmmaker Mandy Jacobson, the series unfolds from the perspective of Madikizela-Mandela’s granddaughters, HRH Princess Zaziwe Manaway (née Dlamini) and HRH Princess Swati Mandela-Dlamini, who is also credited as a producer, as they set out to find the essence of their iconic grandmother, affectionately known to them as ‘Big Mommy’. Through their journey, the story pieces together a portrait shaped by personal accounts, family memory, and public record.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Chapter 1: MRS MANDELA - The Wife of Nelson Mandela (1936 – 1976)
• E2Chapter 2: ZANYIWE - To Be Tested (1977-1988)
• E3Chapter 3: WINNIE - Fair and Pure (1988 – 1989)
• E5Chapter 5: WINIFRED - Friend of Peace (1996 – 1997)
• E6Chapter 6: NOMZAMO - Mother of Endeavour (1998 – 2013)
• E7Chapter 7: WINIFRED NOMZAMO ZANYIWE MANDELA MADIKIZELA (2013 – 2018)