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This house housed Ms. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (Mother of the Nation) for a periodof approximately nine years (1977-1986) during her banishment by the apartheidregime, in their attempt to monitor and limit her political influence. The house is sitewhere she not only resided, but a site that contributed significantly to the advancementof the liberation struggle. The house is also a symbol of Ms. Madikizela-Mandela’s andin turn black South African’s resilience against the apartheid regime. This banishmentwas meant to smother the voices of equality and freedom for all, however insteadthrough Ms. Madikizela-Mandela’s tenacity and resilience contributed greatly to livesof more marginalized community of Brandfort and surrounding towns through the clinic,local gardening collective, sewing club, daycare, orphanage and juvenile center fortroubled youth. Her efforts established her as a respected political figure andcommunity member.The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela house in Brandfort was her metaphorical RobbenIsland. She was a political prisoner during her banishment, subjected to cruelconditions (house had no basic services and Brandfort was Afrikaner dominated town)and treatment (constant harassment and violence towards her) by the apartheidgovernment, and like Robben Island her Brandfort house became a symbol ofresilience and hope against an oppressive state.In 2016, Madikizela-Mandela was recognized by the South African government withthe award of the Silver Order of Luthuli for her contributions to the liberation struggleduring the apartheid era. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a renowned social workerand activist considered by many black South Africans to be the “Mother of the Nation.”On April 2, 2018, she died at the age of 81 after a long illness. Her life and legacy werehonoured with numerous memorial services throughout the country as well as a statefuneral, held on April 14 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa.