Controversial and divisive, South Africans pay tribute to Winnie Mandela, the woman many call "the mother of the nation"
ADVERTISEMENTSouth Africans and supporters of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela gathered outside her Soweto home long into the night to pay tribute to the former first lady and anti-apartheid campaigner who died on Monday.
South African President Cyril Ramaposa announced she would be honoured with an official memorial service and state funeral.
"Winnie Mandela had a great impact on the African continent. She is fondly remembered as a very gallant and brave person," said President Ramaphosa.
Madikizela-Mandela and her former husband Nelson Mandela became icons in the fight against apartheid. But her own reputation later became tarnished with allegations of violence. However she remains a revered figure with fellow anti-apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu describing her courageous defiance, "an inspiration".