Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, struggle stalwart and former whife of the late President Nelson Mandela, passed away this afternoon (Monday April 2) at the age of 81.
Mrs Mandela was ill for a number of years and was recently admitted to Milpark Hospital with a kidney infection.
The Mandela family issued a statement this afternoon, stating: “It is with profound sadness that we inform the public that Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away at the Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday 2 April 2018.
“She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of the hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.
“The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life and even as our hearts break at her passing, we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable woman.”
The family said it would release details of the memorial and funeral services once these have been finalised.
