When it comes to history, few stories capture both love and leadership quite like that of Graça Machel, the remarkable woman from Mozambique who holds a record no one else in the world has achieved. She is the only woman in history to have married two presidents from two different countries.
Born in Mozambique, Graça Simbine Machel’s life has been marked by courage, resilience, and an extraordinary connection to two of Africa’s most iconic leaders.
In 1975, she married Samora Machel, the first President of Mozambique. Their union symbolized hope and strength during a time when the country had just gained independence. Sadly, their love story was cut short in 1986, when Samora Machel tragically died in a plane crash. The loss left Graça widowed at a young age, and she mourned her husband for 12 long years
Life, however, had another chapter for her. In the late 1990s, love found her again in a surprising way. She met Nelson Mandela, the global symbol of peace and the first Black President of South Africa. Their bond grew stronger, and in July 1998, they tied the knot, making headlines around the world.
Their marriage was not only a love story but also a union that connected two nations—Mozambique and South Africa—through one remarkable woman. Once again, tragedy struck when Nelson Mandela passed away in December 2013, leaving Graça widowed for the second time.
Today, Graça Machel continues to live in Mozambique, her home country. Beyond her marriages, she is known as a respected humanitarian and advocate for children’s and women’s rights across Africa.
