RIP: South Africa's 'Mother of the Nation' Minnie Mandela has died

The ex-wife of the late Civil Rights icon Nelson Mandela and anti-apartheid activist Winnie Mandela has died at the age of 81. While she fought for her husband's prison release and campaigned as a leading global figure for the African National Congress, Minnie became de-popularized by accusations that she was responsible for the killing of numerous men, women an children. (Allegedly violent thugs on her team carried out the murders). Mr. Mandela did not mention his former bride in his will upon his death in 2013. Mrs. Mandela was jailed several times in her life and spent a year in solitary confinement. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson played Mrs. Mandela in the film adaptation of her life.

Winnie Mandela died on April 2, 2018 after being in and out of the hospital for an ongoing illness.