Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, has died at the age of 81.
Madikizela-Mandela was married to Nelson Mandela from 1958 to 1996.
Her political activism was marred by a kidnapping and assault conviction in 1991, for which she was fined.
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Cde Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela-Mandela today, 02 April 2018. A struggle icon has fallen. #RIPMamaWinnie pic.twitter.com/xIJKDDVOkQ
— ANC Parliament (@ANCParliament) April 2, 2018
She faced these allegations again during the 1997 hearings before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a panel that investigated apartheid-era crimes.
As a parliamentarian after South Africa’s first all-race elections, she was convicted of fraud.
In the darkest hours of the struggle to free South Africa, with Nelson Mandela in prison, the face of hope and courage was #Winnie Mandela. May she forever rest in #Power. pic.twitter.com/VrJ6PjMr1F
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 2, 2018
Still, she was widely venerated in South Africa for her role in fighting white minority rule.
