South Africa
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Love stories of South Africa

The nation that defeated apartheid by loving against separation: Nelson and Winnie Mandela, a marriage held across 27 years of prison.

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The nation that defeated apartheid by loving against separation: Nelson and Winnie Mandela, a marriage held across 27 years of prison.

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Nelson & Winnie Mandela
South Africa · 1958–1996

Nelson & Winnie Mandela

A love held across 27 years of prison

Nelson Mandela and Winnie, married at the heart of the anti-apartheid struggle; while he spent 27 years in prison, she became the public face of the resistance, in a love that politics and prison ultimately wore down.

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Miriam Makeba & Hugh Masekela
South Africa / USA · 1964–1966

Miriam Makeba & Hugh Masekela

The voice and trumpet of exile

The South African musicians Miriam "Mama Africa" Makeba and Hugh Masekela, exiled from apartheid, who carried their country's music and cause to the world and loved each other in struggle and diaspora.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the great South African love stories?

Some of the greatest are Nelson & Winnie Mandela, Miriam Makeba & Hugh Masekela.

Explore the 1000 greatest loves