The Cry of Winnie Mandela: A metaphorical mirror of SA women's resilience

Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo (left) as Winnie, with Ayanda Sibisi who plays Delisiwe, perform during a rehearsal of "The Cry of Winnie Mandela" at Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Winnie Mandela, a name synonymous with resilience and struggle, occupies a complex space in South African history. Known affectionately as the "Mother of the Nation," her legacy is revered by many, yet also accompanied by controversy. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of her life, Professor Njabulo S. Ndebele undertook a literary mission to encapsulate her essence in his acclaimed novel, The Cry of Winnie Mandela, released in 2003.

In this profound work, Ndebele weaves the tales of four women, mirroring the Greek myth of Odysseus’ Penelope, who, in an apartheid-riddled landscape, endure the pain of waiting for husbands lost to struggles far beyond their control. This narrative serves not just to examine personal grief, but also to interrogate societal expectations surrounding love, fidelity, and the burdens women carry. It is a poignant commentary on the resilience of South African women during a turbulent chapter in history.

“Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore.”

Now, the powerful narrative has taken to the stage, propelled by the creative vision of MoMo Matsunyane, an acclaimed Standard Bank Young Artist Winner for Theatre. Matsunyane's adaptation aims to breathe new life into Ndebele’s characters, presenting a fresh perspective that resonates with modern audiences while staying true to the original intent.

Matsunyane describes The Cry of Winnie Mandela as a courageous story of every woman who has endured loss, suffered loneliness and experienced the chilling anxiety of waiting. “Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore. Her revolutionary spirit, resilient character and generous heart have become anchors for many women of all generations and identities, each seeing herself in her legacy. Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied,” she says.

The cast of "The Cry of Winnie Mandela" led by Les Nkosi (Middle), who plays Professor Njabulo S. Ndebele, and from behind left to right: Siyasanga Papu plays Marara, Rami Chuene as Mannete, Pulane Rampoana as Mamello, and Ayanda Sibisi as Delisiwe. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) 

 

The production features an impressive cast led by Les Nkosi, who plays the role of Professor Ndebele. Through his deep voice, Nkosi not only navigates the audience through the storylines but also engages them in reflecting on the profound emotional landscapes each character traverses. The arrival of the four women, united by their grief and collective longing, is marked by an engaging performance, combining song and dance with the harsh reality of their experiences.

Among them, Pulane Rampoana's portrayal of Mamello resonates profoundly as she bears the weight of waiting for her husband—14 years clinging to hope only to be met with betrayal. Rampoana’s heart-wrenching performance showcases the emotional turmoil that many women experienced as they grappled with love and loyalty amidst political strife.

As the narrative unfolds, the women form a support group known as “Ibandla Labafazi Abalindileyo” – or “The Group of Women in Waiting” – compelling audiences to engage with themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and identity in the face of adversity. The Professor acts as their anchor, serving tea that symbolizes a mix of strength and vulnerability, while posing challenging questions about societal norms and expectations placed upon women. This critical inquiry sharpens the production's focus and demands reflection from viewers on the burdens of waiting that disproportionally affect women.

The production’s brilliance shines through the moment Winnie Mandela, played by the  award-winning  TV actress, theatre practitioner and presenter, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo, joins the stage. Mdoda-Nxumalo’s portrayal taps into Winnie’s essence, her movements, intonation and mannerisms echoing the legacy of a woman who carried a nation’s hopes. She goes into how she had to embrace the torment of banishment to the point she earned the titles of “Queen of Brandfort” and “Daughter of Theuns Swanepoel”, a feared security police officer who interrogated and tortured political detainees, as well as Winnie Mandela.

Creatively, Matsunyane cleverly intertwines historical audio clips of Nelson and Winnie, emphasizing the raw realities of their lives, especially as the narrative confronts the fallout of their marriage and public perception. The interplay of fiction and reality culminates in a harrowing yet empowering monologue by Winnie, poignantly addressing the struggles of her past and challenging societal narratives crafted around her. It is this moment, filled with raw emotion and historical significance, that leaves an indelible mark on the audience.

Winnie’s monologues share her own experiences of waiting for Nelson Mandela, delving into the pain of his imprisonment and the tumultuous path of their relationship, complete with her own tribulations and societal judgment. The fierce and emotional monologue on how she felt when the UDF distanced itself from her and when Archbishop Desmond Tutu, at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, asked her to take some responsibility about some of the atrocities that occurred during the late ‘80s is very significant.

It’s this monologue that shows not only the depth and strength of Mdoda-Nxumalo as an actress, but that of Winnie Mandela. She says those who saw her as a polarizing figure would have to reconcile not just with her, but with the mental image of her they had created themselves. It’s a reverting account that culminates the play into such a crescendo that Mdoda-Nxumalo was still heaving from the emotions by the time they bowed out to the audience. 

In attendance on Wednesday night were powerful figures such as ANC heavyweights Nomvula Mokonyane and Faith Mazibuko, reflecting the deep-rooted influence Winnie Mandela has had on contemporary political identities. As the curtain fell, one could only wonder how they reconciled their own journeys with the portrayal of the woman who paved the way for many.

The stage adaptation of The Cry of Winnie Mandela not only revisits the struggles of a nation but also fosters a vital conversation about the roles women have played and continue to play in the face of adversity. In an era defined by grappling with our past, this production stands as a profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, urging audiences to listen, reflect, and engage with the ongoing narrative of a nation still learning from its history.

The Cry of Winnie Mandela returned to The Market Theatre from 26 February to 23 March 2025. But due to popular demand the show has been extended to 30 March 2025.