Winnie Mandela Dead at 81 Years Old

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, veteran anti-apartheid activist and former wife to the late Nelson Mandela, passed away today.

Her death was announced by her spokesman, Victor Dlamini. He said in a statement that she died “after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year.” She was at the Netcare Milpark Hospital when she passed away.

Winnie, born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela in 26 September, 1936. She was the daughter to a teacher and a senior official, Winnie grew up in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, tending cattle and Methodist school. Her first name Nomzamo translates to "one who must endure trials" - which she did, both politically and legally until the day she died.

Here's a few quotes Mrs Mandela  will be remembered by..

"I will not allow the selfless efforts of my husband and his friends to be abandoned. I will continue the struggle for a free and equal South Africa."
– 1962

"It is only when all black groups, join hands and speak with one voice that we shall be a bargaining force which will decide its own destiny."
– 1976

"I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy."
– 1996

"All what we fought for is not what is going on right now. It is a tragedy that he lived and saw what was happening, we cannot pretend like South Africa is not in crisis, our country is in crisis and anyone who cannot see that is just bluffing themselves."
– 2017

Mrs Mandela, you'll be missed and your memory will last forever!