Winnie Mandela’s most moving pictures

Winnie and Nelson Mandela with first daughter Zindzi.

South Africa paid tribute to Winnie Mandela’s “fighting spirit” on Tuesday as plans were made to mark the life of the firebrand anti-apartheid campaigner and Nelson Mandela’s former wife.

Nelson and Winnie Mandela on their wedding day.

She died at a Johannesburg hospital at the age of 81 after suffering a long illness that failed to rob of her of the charisma and energy that defined her sometimes divisive character.

Winnie Mandela announcing a pop concert in honor of her jailed husband on July 17, 1988.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that a memorial service will be held on April 11 and a full State funeral three days later.

Mourners continue to gather at her Soweto home to honor the anti-apartheid fighter.

A young Winnie with her two daughters Zindzi and Dlamini.

An iconic picture of the 20th century: Nelson Mandela walks hand-in-hand with Winnie after 27 years in prison

Winnie and Nelson Mandela divorced in 1996 after 38 years of marriage.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela with his wife Graca Machel ( L ) and ex -wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

Winnie Mandela Madikizela and Graca Machel stand by the coffin of former president Nelson Mandela during his funeral ceremony in Qunu.

The firebrand activist died in Johannesburg’s Milpark hospital, her family said, adding that she had “fought valiantly against the apartheid State” and that she was known “far and wide as the Mother of the Nation”. Below are pictures of the life of Winnie Madikizela Mandela: