South African anti-apartheid veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, former wife of the late Nelson Mandela, has been admitted to hospital for observation, a statement from her family said on Thursday.
“Mrs Mandela went to the hospital for routine medical checkup on Wednesday, March 8. A decision was taken to admit her for further observation,” the statement said.
Former first lady Madikizela-Mandela, 80, was in hospital for several weeks last year for back surgery.
During her ex-husband’s 27-year incarceration for his fight against apartheid, Madikizela-Mandela campaigned for his release and for the rights of black South Africans, undergoing detention, banishment and arrest.
Mandela died in 2013 and made no mention of Madikizela-Mandela in his will. She plans to challenge the will, according to media reports.