Winnie Mandela, Anti-Apartheid Activist from South Africa, Passes Away

Winnie Madikizela Mandela, an activist during the anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa, passed away on Monday, April 1, at the age of 81 in a hospital in Johannesburg. Winnie was the former wife of Nelson Mandela, the former leader of South Africa and a prominent figure in the political landscape of the country. The family of Winnie Madikizela Mandela announced in a statement that she died after a long illness. The statement noted that she fought bravely against apartheid and dedicated her life to the struggle for freedom in the country. It added that throughout the years her husband Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island, she kept his memory alive and became a symbol and face of the struggle for justice in South Africa. During the 27 years that Nelson Mandela was in prison, Winnie Madikizela Mandela made extensive efforts for her husband's freedom and the rights of black people in South Africa. She was repeatedly arrested and beaten by racist agents. Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison on February 11, 1990. However, in 1991, during a time when the apartheid regime in South Africa was collapsing, Winnie Madikizela Mandela was accused of kidnapping and complicity in the murder of an activist. Ultimately, her six-year prison sentence was reduced to a fine. Winnie separated from Nelson Mandela in 1992. Nelson Mandela was buried in his hometown. The world mourns Madiba: world leaders expressed their condolences for Mandela's passing. Barack Obama: World leaders should make Nelson Mandela's legacy their model.