South Africa
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, known in South Africa as the “mother of the nation”, was hospitalized for a kidney infection, the family announced on Tuesday.
Winnie Mandela, 81, who is considered a heroine in the fight against apartheid, had been persecuted by the authorities of the white minority regime. She was appointed minister after the 1994 election.
The Mandela family released a statement saying Madikizela-Mandela was hospitalised after complaining about leg pain and loss of appetite.
“The Mandela family wishes to inform the public that Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was admitted to Milpark Hospital” on Sunday, according to a statement.
The family added that she was ‘in good spirits’ and should be in hospital for a week.
Africa National Congress leaders led by party president Cde Cyril Ramaphosa paid a courtesy visit to her at the hospital.
National office bearers led by ANC President Cde Cyril Ramaphosa paying a courtesy visit to Mama Winnie Mandela pic.twitter.com/3mgPbKUayt
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 15, 2018
The last time the stalwart was in hospital was in October last year for a knee surgery, which she had a full recovery from.
Nelson Mandela and Winnie, who married in 1956, were divorced in 1996.
Nelson Mandela, leader of the anti-apartheid struggle, spent twenty-seven years in the jails of the racist regime before becoming the first black president of his country in 1994.
On his release from prison, he was greeted as a hero by his wife Winnie and tens of thousands of supporters.
01:44
BRICS Film Festival begins in Moscow
01:08
SA poll body seeks clarification from Constitutional court on Zuma's eligibility
02:08
South Africa: Zuma's prosecution bid against Ramaphosa postponed
01:10
New poll finds support for South Africa's ruling ANC is plunging
00:53
Six arrested in connection with the murder of South African player Luke Fleurs
01:00
South Africa: Former president Jacob Zuma cleared to run in upcoming elections