Winnie Mandela: September 26, 1936-April 2, 2018 (Image via South African Postal System)

Winnie Mandela, the ex-wife of the late Nelson Mandela and a historical figure in her own right, has died at 81 ...

Via The Guardian, Mandela's passing was confirmed by her personal assistant, Zodwa Zwane.

Mandela was married to Nelson Mandela for 38 years, from 1958-1996, when they divorced after he spent 27 years as a political prisoner. They remained close for a time until his death in 2013, though she later emerged as a bitter critic of his status and of his availability as a parent to their two children.

Throughout Nelson Mandela's imprisonment, Winnie was his spokesperson, and a public face for his plight.

Winnie was far less universally loved than her husband. The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission found her personally responsible for heinous crimes, including murder, torture and kidnapping, including the notorious case of 14-year-old James Seipei, who was abducted, forced to confess a Methodist minister was sexually abusing him, accused of being an informer, and killed.

In 2003, Winnie was convicted of fraud and theft, which led to her ultimate withdrawal from the ANC, but she continued to be active in politics.

Her death was said to come after a long illness.