Winnie Mandela dies, aged 81

South African anti-apartheid campaigner Winnie Mandela has died aged 81, the BBC reports, quoting her personal assistant.

Winnie Madikizela Mandela was the former wife of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela.

The couple – famously pictured hand-in-hand as Mr Mandela walked free from prison after 27 years – were a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle for nearly three decades.

However, in later years her reputation became tainted legally and politically.

Her family are expected to release a statement later today.