1ST LADY FOR 2 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES-SHE MARRIED 2 PRESIDENTS.
Popularly known as Graca Machel but born Graça Simbine on October 17, 1945, in Gaza Province, Mozambique, is a renowned humanitarian, educator, and activist.
She holds the unique distinction of being the only woman in history to serve as First Lady of two African nations through her marriages to two presidents.
Her first marriage was to Samora Machel, Mozambique’s inaugural president, on September 19, 1975—coinciding with the country’s independence. As First Lady and Minister of Education and Culture, she championed literacy and schooling, enrolling over 1.5 million children in education programs amid civil war.
The couple had one daughter, Josina (born 1976), and she became stepmother to his four children from prior relationships. Their partnership ended tragically on October 19, 1986, when Samora died in a mysterious plane crash near the South Africa-Mozambique border, suspected to involve apartheid-era sabotage.
Her second marriage was to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first post-apartheid president, on July 18, 1998—his 80th birthday—in a private Johannesburg ceremony.
Their bond, forged through shared advocacy for peace, human rights, and children’s welfare, symbolized reconciliation between Mozambique and South Africa. Graça supported Mandela’s global legacy while advancing her own work, including co-founding initiatives like the Forum for African Women Educationalists.
Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, after 15 years of marriage, leaving her to continue their joint causes through organizations like The Elders and her Graça Machel TRUST.
