Winnie Mandela released from banning order and house arrest

Winnie Mandela was released from banning order and house arrest on this date. Surprisingly, for a brief period Winnie's banning order was not reimposed, bearing in mind the nature of the offence that she was charged with. At the time of her release she was on the last national executive committee of the original African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL), along with other legends of the women's struggle like Lilian Ngoyi, Florence Matomela and Frances Baard. After it was banned, along with the African National Congress (ANC), these women leaders tried to continue their work through the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). However, Madikizela-Mandela used her freedom from restraint to attend meetings with Black Consciousness (BC) leaders, to identify with their cause by attending their trials and to make fiery speeches. She warned that Black people were impatient and resentful and openly asked parents to join the newly formed Black Parents Association, a platform that presented itself to launch her as a reputable leader of the people at the time.