South African anti-apartheid campaigner Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has died aged 81. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was the former wife of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela.
Mrs Mandela “succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones” following a long illness said Family spokesman Victor Dlamini.
South Africans took to social media to share their condolences:
You were strong when we couldn’t be. You were a rage that sometimes burned too brightly and you showed us how to be brave and be our fearsome best. Lion. Warrior. Mother. Mkhonto. #WinnieMandela
— Sisonke Msimang (@Sisonkemsimang) April 2, 2018
She sacrificed her family, raising her children, her health, her marriage, her career, her education, her community … only to be shunned.
We will NEVER forget you Mama.
Our true liberator.Before you send your vitriol, let he who is without sin tweet first. #WinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/vI28FICyOu
— Vusi Thembekwayo (@VusiThembekwayo) April 2, 2018
A hero, a mother and a legend has passed on. Her legacy will live on and we will remember her as the mother of the nation. We salute you Mother Winnie Mandela. Rest in Peace great soul, Winnie Madikizela Mandela?????? #RIPWinnieMandela #WinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/QhsddUfP36
— Christo (@ChristoThurston) April 2, 2018
My friend Angelo ❤ just sent me this poem by #AliceWalker about #WinnieMandela and reminded me of when we first discovered it, in 1995 pic.twitter.com/78jRgoYFl9
— Pumla Dineo Gqola (@feminist_rogue) April 2, 2018



