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.

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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.

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University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez