Machel

Machel is a surname of Mozambican origin. It is most closely associated with two prominent figures in Southern African history: Samora Machel and Graça Machel.

Samora Machel (1934–1986) was a Mozambican political and military leader who founded the FRELIMO liberation movement and became the first president of Mozambique after independence in 1975. He led the country until his death in 1986 in a plane crash near the South African border. His leadership and the struggle for independence remain defining elements of Mozambique’s modern history.

Graça Machel (born 1945) is a Mozambican humanitarian and public figure who was married to Samora Machel from 1975 until his death, and later became the wife of Nelson Mandela. She has led humanitarian initiatives through the Graca Machel Foundation and has been active in campaigns for children’s rights, education, and gender equality. Her work has extended to international development and global advocacy in various capacities.

The surname Machel is most commonly linked with Mozambique and the broader Southern African post-independence period. Individuals bearing the name have influenced politics, humanitarian work, and development discourse in the region and beyond.

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