[1] Mahlangu is a leader of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), founded with Jenni Williams.

When presenting the award to Magodonga and WOZA, Obama commented: "By her example, Magodonga has shown the women of WOZA and the people of Zimbabwe that they can undermine their oppressors' power with their own power -- that they can sap a dictator's strength with their own.

"[2] In her remarks accepting the award, Mahlangu quoted Robert F. Kennedy, saying, "The future is not a gift: it is an achievement.

[6] Mahlangu born in a suburb of Bulawayo and she was raised in the South Matebeleland area and educated at a private school where she received a diploma in coaching and sports administration.

She founded WOZA with Williams and Sheba Dube to protest against economic and political changes in their country.