In sad news today, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, prominent anti-apartheid activist and the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, has died after a long illness. According to a statement from her family, "She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones."
The 81-year-old was married to Mandela from 1958 to 1996. Mandela, who died in 2013, was imprisoned throughout most of their marriage and Madikizela-Mandela's own activism against white minority rule led to her being imprisoned for months and placed under house arrest for years.
"She kept the memory of her imprisoned husband Nelson Mandela alive during his years on Robben Island and helped give the struggle for justice in South Africa one its most recognizable faces," the family said in the statement.
"She dedicated most of her adult life to the cause of the people and for this was known far and wide as the Mother of the Nation," the statement continued.
However, Madikizela-Mandela's political activism was marred by her conviction in 1991 for kidnapping and assault, for which she was fined. She faced these allegations again during the 1997 hearings before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a panel that investigated apartheid-era crimes. As a parliamentarian after South Africa's first all-race elections, she was convicted of fraud.
Madikizela-Mandela had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year, according to her family. More details about her memorial and funeral services will be released once they are finalized.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Le Labo’s New Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum Redefines Lavender Fragrance
It’s an entirely fresh take on lavender.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
32 Beauty Products That Are Just So Good
Sponsor Content Created With Walmart
By Caitie Schlisserman Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Lizzo, Sophie Turner and More Celebrities React to Roe v. Wade Being Overturned
It's been a difficult weekend.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen Dedicated 'F*** You' to the Justices Who Struck Down Roe v. Wade at Glastonbury
Rodrigo listed their names one by one.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Gigi Hadid Has Pledged Her Fashion Month Earnings in Aid of Ukraine
She wants to "walk 'for' something."
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Republican Leaders Want Meghan Markle Stripped of Her Royal Title
The backlash came after the Duchess penned a letter advocating for paid parental leave.
By Cady Drell Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Attend the ‘No Time to Die’ Premiere
They look incredible.
By Marie Claire Published
-
A Former Royal Nanny Was Offered a Settlement for the Diana Interview Scandal
The 1995 bombshell Martin Bashir interview has become a lightning rod of controversy.
By Marie Claire Editors Published