South Africa’s iron woman and beauty, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has passed away.
The ex-wife of former South African President, Nelson Mandela and ace anti-apartheid campaigner, died after battling with ill-health at the age of 81.
Winnie stood by Nelson Mandela throughout the 27 years he was incarcerated for championing South Africa’s struggle for an apartheid-free nation.
She passed away at the Netcare Milpark Hospital‚ Johannesburg‚ South Africa on Monday, April 2.
Her death was confirmed by her personal assistant, Zodwa Zwane. The cause of death was a “long illness”, according to her family.
The USA Magazine reported: “Mandela was admitted to the Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg over the weekend after complaining of the flu.
“Her spokesperson said in a statement to the state broadcaster that the politician, who also suffered from diabetes and recently underwent several major surgeries, ‘had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year.’”
People from various walks of life have been full of praises for the freedom icon.
Moussa Faki Mahamat wrote on Twitter:
”The entire @_AfricanUnion family joins the Continent and beyond in grief at the passing of Ma Winnie Madikazela-Mandela who will forever be remembered as a global icon, a fearless campaigner who sacrificed much of her life for freedom in South Africa and for women everywhere”.
Facts About Africa wrote:
”Winnie Mandela, 81, is dead. She was not just Nelson Mandela’s wife.
“In the height of apartheid in South Africa, she was at the forefront, tackled it head-on, and even confronting the police. Rest in peace, Mama!”
While Joy Reid stated:
”Winnie Mandela has died. She was ferocious, controversial, and fearless. Rest in peace, to the mother of post-Apartheid South Africa.”