Albertina Sisulu

A South African anti-apartheid activist who led grassroots movements and became the 'Mother of the Nation' for her relentless fight against racial oppression.

Albertina Sisulu (1918–2011) was a South African nurse and political activist who played a central role in dismantling apartheid. As the wife of Walter Sisulu, a key ANC leader, she became a leader in her own right, organizing women’s protests and community initiatives. In 1956, she led the historic Women’s March against pass laws, mobilizing 20,000 women to demand an end to restrictive apartheid policies. Imprisoned multiple times, she continued advocating for education and healthcare access in marginalized communities. After apartheid’s collapse, she co-founded the Albertina Sisulu Foundation to support youth and women’s empowerment. Her leadership bridged grassroots activism and national politics, earning her the title 'Mother of the Nation.' Sisulu’s legacy is preserved in projects like the Albertina Sisulu Square in Soweto, a symbol of women’s resilience. Her life exemplifies the intersection of healthcare, education, and political struggle in advancing social justice.