Condolences poured in on Twitter for anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who died at 81.

Mandela, who was a controversial figure, was once married to former South African President Nelson Mandela. Most of their marriage occurred when Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island.

RelatedWelcome home: Mandela honored on visit to Atlanta

RelatedAtlanta mourns Nelson Mandela

Winnie Mandela was a force to be reckoned with in her own right.  She was known as “Mother of the Nation” or  simply “Mama.” While she could be polarizing, Mandela remained beloved by many.

A spokesman said Mandela, a trained social worker, had been ill for a while and died in Johannesburg surrounded by family and loved ones.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The Los Angeles band Silversun Pickups, (from left) Christopher Guanlao, Brian Aubert, Joe Lester and Nikki Monninger, plays Buckhead Theatre on Wednesday. (Courtesy of Claire Marie Vogel)

Credit: (Courtesy of Claire Marie Vogel)

Featured

Atlanta police Chief Darin Schierbaum answers questions during a news conference on July 28, 2025, about a shooting that left one dead and 10 injured shortly after midnight the same day. (Ben Hendren for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Ben Hendren for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution