Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Nelson Mandela was married three times throughout his life. His first wife was Evelyn Mase, whom he married in 1944.
Evelyn Mase was born in 1918 in the small village of Engcau near Umtata in South Africa. She was a nurse and a social worker. Evelyn and Nelson met when she was working at a hospital and he was completing his law studies. They were married in 1944 and had four children together. Unfortunately, the marriage was strained due to Nelson’s increasing political activities and his lengthy absences from home. The couple eventually divorced in 1958.
After his divorce from Evelyn, Nelson Mandela married Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela in 1958. He remained married to Nomzamo until his death in 2013.
Contents
Nelson Mandela First Wife
Nelson Mandela’s first wife was a woman named Evelyn Mase. She was a nurse and an activist in her own right. They married in 1944 and had four children together. They divorced in 1958 due to his increasing involvement in the African National Congress and her belief that he was neglecting his family responsibilities. Despite their divorce, she remained supportive of his political activism and even provided a safe house for him during his years of imprisonment. In 1998, she was honored for her work in the anti-apartheid struggle and her unwavering support for Nelson Mandela. Her legacy as an independent and courageous woman continues to be an inspiration to many people today.
Overview of Nelson Mandela’s Family
Nelson Mandela’s first wife, Evelyn Mase, was a formidable figure in her own right. Though overshadowed by her famous husband, she was an important part of his life and his political career.
Evelyn Mase was born in 1924 in the rural village of Mbata, in the Transkei region of South Africa. She was a qualified nurse and midwife, and her family was of Xhosa ethnicity. She met Nelson Mandela in 1944, while he was studying law at the University of Witwatersrand. The two married in June of that year.
During their marriage, Evelyn and Nelson had four children together: Madiba Thembekile, Makgatho, Makaziwe and Maki. Evelyn was a supportive wife and mother, and she was instrumental in helping Nelson to become the leader he was. She was also a staunch advocate for women’s rights and equality in South Africa.
Evelyn and Nelson’s marriage was not without its difficulties. The two were separated for long periods due to Nelson’s political activities, and Evelyn was frequently left to raise the children alone. In 1957, the couple briefly separated, and in 1958, Nelson’s adultery with a social worker led to their divorce.
Despite the difficulties in their marriage, the two remained close friends until Nelson’s death in 2013. Evelyn was a steadfast supporter of her husband, and her dedication to the cause of freedom in South Africa was unwavering. She often served as a hostess at his political events, and she was a beloved figure in the anti-apartheid movement.
Evelyn Mase passed away in 2004, at the age of 79. She was an inspiring figure, and her legacy of dedication to her husband, her children, and her country will continue to live on.
Details on Nelson Mandela’s First Wife, Evelyn Mase
Nelson Mandela’s first wife, Evelyn Mase, was an incredibly influential woman who devoted her life to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. She was born in the small village of Engcobo in the Eastern Cape in 1922 and married Nelson Mandela in 1944.
Evelyn was a nurse and midwife who dedicated her life to the cause of freedom and justice. She worked tirelessly to provide healthcare to those in need and was an active participant in the anti-apartheid movement. She was an outspoken advocate for the rights of women and was a leader in the South African Women’s League.
In addition to her political activities, Evelyn was a devoted wife and mother. She and Nelson had four children together and she was a devoted grandmother to their grandchildren.
Evelyn was an incredibly resilient woman who faced many challenges in her life. Despite her dedication to the cause of freedom and justice, she faced discrimination and hardship from the apartheid government. She was arrested numerous times and spent time in jail for her activism.
Sadly, Evelyn passed away in 2004 after a long battle with tuberculosis. She was 82 years old.
Evelyn Mase was an incredibly influential woman who made a lasting impact on the struggle against apartheid and the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa. Her life and legacy serve as an inspiration for all who continue to fight for justice and equality.
Impact of Evelyn Mase on Nelson Mandela’s Life and Work
Evelyn Mase was one of the most influential people in the life and work of Nelson Mandela. As the first wife of Nelson Mandela, she was responsible for introducing him to the African National Congress (ANC) and encouraging him to become more involved in the fight against apartheid. She also provided support and understanding throughout his career and imprisonment.
Evelyn Mase and Nelson Mandela met during the late 1940s while they both lived in Johannesburg. They were married in June of 1958 and had four children together. Throughout this time, Evelyn was a major driving force behind Nelson Mandela’s political career. She was the one who introduced him to the ANC and encouraged him to become more involved in the fight for justice and equality.
Evelyn also provided emotional support and understanding for Nelson Mandela during his time in prison. When Nelson was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, she remained committed to him and dedicated her life to the cause of freedom. She held numerous meetings with government officials on his behalf and was heavily involved in the release of political prisoners.
Evelyn also provided much-needed financial support for Nelson Mandela during his time in prison. She was able to obtain money from her family and friends to help with his legal fees and other expenses. She also managed to keep the family together and maintain a steady income while Nelson was in prison.
Evelyn Mase’s influence on Nelson Mandela’s life and work cannot be understated. She was a constant source of inspiration and strength for him throughout his career and incarceration. Her dedication to the cause of freedom and justice was an example to many and a testament to her strength and courage. The impact of Evelyn Mase on Nelson Mandela’s life and work will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
The conclusion to the article, Nelson Mandela First Wife, is that Madiba was married to his first wife, Evelyn Ntando, for 18 years, until her death in 1990. They had three children together. Mandela later married Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in 1996, and they had two children. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 95.
