“ENTREPRENEURIAL LESSONS OF uMAMA WINNIE’S PASSING” by Fattinald Rangongo
On April 2, 2018 South Africa and the rest of the world received news of the passing of uMama Winnie Madikizela Mandela. With great shock and deep sadness, the mourning process began. Some cried and some did not. Some sang her praises, some did not. Nonetheless, everyone had something to say. It is not the purpose of this article to debate whether she was a hero or a villain but rather to highlight some key characteristics that are often associated with those who become entrepreneurs. In the days to follow (her passing that is), “Masedi Street‚ which leads to her home in Orlando West‚ Soweto‚ resembled a shopping mall”. This according to https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-04-05-its-business-unusual-next-to-mama-winnies-soweto-home/. Her death became an opportunity for some entrepreneurs (particularly survivalist and micro-entrepreneurs) to sell of sorts of things ranging from food to clothing outside her home. Affectionately known as the "Mother of the Nation", the 81 year old was born in the Transkei in 1936 to a Science teacher (her mother) and a History teacher (her father). Just like destiny and as stated by the South African History Online, Winnie went on to complete her degree in social work in 1955, finishing at the top of her class. She was then offered the position of medical social worker at the Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, making her the first qualified, Black member of staff to fill that post (http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/winnie-madikizela-mandela) at the time. Characterized by imprisonment and constant harassment by the apartheid regime, continued separation from her family, solitary confinement, it is evident that her life was marred by challenges and full of uncertainty. 
It is often argued that entrepreneurship is a highly challenging and uncertain terrain. With some scholars even arguing that entrepreneurs have to possess certain characteristics that will enable them to start, manage and grow a business. Hence the question, what can female entrepreneurs (simply because they continue to face different challenges as compared to their male counterparts) learn from Mama Winnie to claim their rightful place as chance agents within the business environment?
Well, she had the ability to influence discourse and contribute towards meaningful change, her courage and attitude to never give up even in the face of adversity was most admirable, her willingness to live through uncertainty and work towards achieving set goals highlighted her tenacity. Last but not least, her continued fight to be acknowledged and recognized as an activist/politician separately from her former husband lamented her desire for independence. Take these and add creativity and innovation and you have what scholars might deem an entrepreneur.
In light of the above, perhaps it is befitting that the streets of Soweto where she lived now resemble a shopping mall.
RIP Mama Winnie
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