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.
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.
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