The Trials of Winnie Mandela — Season 1, Episode 5: Chapter 5: WINIFRED - Friend of Peace (1996 – 1997)

Episode synopsis

In 1997, Winnie and members of the Mandela United Football Club are subpoenaed before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. For over a week, the nation listens to harrowing testimony – accounts of torture, assault, disappearance and death allegedly carried out in her name. Victims speak. Former comrades speak. The country watches. Winnie stands defiant, offering explanation but little remorse. As Desmond Tutu weeps openly before her, Swati and Zaziwe grapple with the weight of the moment: is truth enough without repentance?

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)
• E4Chapter 4: NOBANDLA – She Who Is of the People (1990 – 1996)
• E6Chapter 6: NOMZAMO - Mother of Endeavour (1998 – 2013)
• E7Chapter 7: WINIFRED NOMZAMO ZANYIWE MANDELA MADIKIZELA (2013 – 2018)