Mandela's ex-wife, anti-apartheid activist Winnie dies at 81
South Africa's anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness at the age of 81, her family said in a statement. Winnie was the former wife of South Africa's President Nelson Mandela. Winnie had campaigned for the rights of black South Africans and her former husband's release during his 27-year imprisonment in his fight against apartheid.