Winnie Mandela Dies at 81

Winnie Mandela Dies at 81

photo credit:  Mike Brown // Shutterstock

photo credit:  Mike Brown // Shutterstock

Winnie Mandela, the former wife of activist Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age 81.

According to TMZ, Winnie has been sick for a few years now, and was recently admitted to the hospital with a kidney infection.

Winnie was South Africa’s first black First Lady when Nelson was elected President in 1994. The two divorced in 1996 after being married for 38 years, but they share 2 children together.

Winnie was very active in activism and politics herself, as she continued Nelson’s political work when he was imprisoned, she became known as the “Mother of the Nation.” She once served as the President of the African National Congress Women’s League. She fought against discrimination, apartheid and police harassment, leading her to be imprisoned on and off starting in 1969.

Written by Clarke Jones

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