The special day I got to photograph maWinnie
ONE of my wishes at the beginning of my career was to photograph political icons who liberated this country.
That wish became a reality when I got to photograph Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela. It couldn’t have been more special because I snapped her on her 80th birthday.
I felt so nervous as the office was expecting pictures for the front page. I also did not want to miss or mess up this once-ina-lifetime opportunity.
I had to make sure I delivered good work first, so I could relax and focus on capturing everything that was happening.
A slight delay caused panic as we were on deadline but, like anyone else, I had to be patient. After all, it was her special day.
The lady of the day finally walked into the packed room. My oh my, when she walked in, we all forgot that she delayed the start of her party.
With her style and beautiful smile, maWinnie warmed everyone’s heart as she walked in with her beautiful dress.
I said to myself, I actually don’t mind the delay because of the photographs I was going to capture.
The event at Mount Nelson Hotel in 2016 was big. It was attended by maWinnie’s close friends, politicians and business people.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was a special guest speaker.
He gave an incredible and touching speech about maWinnie’s life as a Struggle icon who fought with everything she had to free the oppressed people of this country. Ramaphosa quoted Maya Angelo’s Still I Rise as he described her difficulties in life.
It felt so special to be in the same room with maWinnie on her remarkable day. We all took turns to take photographs and selfies with her after she delivered her speech.
The 80-year-old, who looked 40 years old, made time for everyone who wanted to take a picture with her.
She was, indeed, the mother of the nation.
We all felt like we were her children because of the love she showed to everyone in the room.
The few hours of meeting maWinne and the memories will be something I will always cherish, especially that I have photographs that will tell of her happy life, not struggles. Lala ngoxolo Mama Winnie. AMANDLA!!