4 actresses who have portrayed Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on screen

Cape Town – The iconic Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has changed the face of South Africa through her political action and her social outreach. 

With the news of the 81-year-old struggle veteran’s death we celebrate her life by taking a look at four women that portrayed Ma Winnie on the big and small screen. 

This list includes movies and TV series; featuring local and international stars. 

1. Sophie Okonedo

This London-born actress played Winnie on the small screen in a TV series called Mrs Mandela (2010) and got rave reviews.

Here’s the trailer for the series that was broadcast on the BBC:

2. Naomie Harris

This Cambridge University educated actress played Winnie in a popular film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), alongside Idris Alba as the charming Madiba.

Here's the trailer:

3. Jennifer Hudson 

While American Idol alumni Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Winnie did not win rave reviews for her performance in this film – which was called Winnie Mandela (2011) - her song from the soundtrack was a hit.

Here’s the trailer: 

4. Terry Pheto 

The latest addition to the rooster of actresses to step into the formidable shoes of Mrs Mandela; the title of the film in which she stars is Madiba (2017) and also features Laurence Fishburne. 

Watch the trailer here: