Mandela was a private person who often concealed his emotions and confided in very few people.
[352] Privately, he lived an austere life, refusing to drink alcohol or smoke, and even as President made
his own bed,[353] he was also renowned for his mischievous sense of humour.[354] He was known for
being both stubborn and loyal,[355] and at times exhibited a quick temper.[353] He was typically friendly
and welcoming, and appeared relaxed in conversation with everyone, including his opponents.[356]
Constantly polite and courteous, he was attentive to all, irrespective of their age or status, and often talked
to children or servants.[357] In later life he always looked for the best in people, even defending political
opponents to his allies, who sometimes thought him too trusting of others.[358] He was highly image
conscious, and throughout his life always sought out fine quality clothes, with many commentators
believing that he carried himself in a regal manner.[359] His official biographer Anthony Sampson
commented that he was a "master of imagery and performance", excelling at presenting himself well in
press photographs and producing soundbites.[360] In describing his life, Mandela stated that "I was not a
messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.”
Mandela was married three times, fathered six children, had 17 grandchildren,[362][363] and
many great-grandchildren.[364] He could be stern and demanding of his children, although he was more
affectionate with his grandchildren.[365] His first marriage was to Evelyn Ntoko Mase in October 1944;
[61] they divorced after 13 years in 1957 under the multiple strains of his adultery and constant absences,
devotion to revolutionary agitation, and the fact that she was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a
religion requiring political neutrality.[94] The couple had two sons whom Mandela survived, Madiba
"Thembi" Thembekile (1945–1969) and Makgatho Mandela (1950–2005); his first son died in a car crash,
and his second son died of AIDS. The couple had two daughters, both named Makaziwe Mandela (born
1947 and 1954); the first died at the age of nine months, the second, known as "Maki", survived Mandela.
[366] Makgatho's son, Mandla Mandela, became chief of the Mvezo tribal council in 2007.[367]
Mandela's second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, also came from the Transkei area, although
they, too, met in Johannesburg, where she was the city's first black social worker.[368] They had two
daughters, Zenani (Zeni), born 4 February 1959, and Zindziswa (Zindzi) Mandela-Hlongwane, born 1960.
[368] Zindzi was only 18 months old when her father was sent to Robben Island. Later, Winnie was
deeply torn by family discord which mirrored the country's political strife; separation (April 1992) and
divorce (March 1996), fuelled by political estrangement.[369] Mandela's third wife was Graça Machel
(née Simbine), whom he married on his 80th birthday in 1998.[370]