By Danjuma Aliyu

The wife of a notable anti-apartheid campaigner and former President of South Africa has died at the age of 81, her personal assistant has announced.

Winnie Madikizela Mandela, an iconic figure who was formerly married to Nelson Mandela “died after a long illness,” at the Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, Zodwa Zwane said.

The family spokesman, Victor Dlamini said, Mrs Mandela who was born in 1936, “succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.”