<h3 class="post-title subpt">The Elders' statement on the passing of South African anti-Apartheid campaigner and former first lady Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.</h3><div class="quoteblock"><div class="quotetext"></div></div><p align="center"><img src="/sites/default/files/migrated3/winnie-madikizela-mandela-2016-credit-gcis-650px.jpg"/><br><em>Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in Cape Town in 2016. (Photo: GCIS)</em></p>
<p>The Elders express their condolences at the death of South African anti-Apartheid campaigner and former first lady Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.</p>
<p>Winnie Madikizela-Mandela became an international symbol of resistance to apartheid following the imprisonment of her then husband, <a href="https://theelders.org/nelson-mandela"><strong>Nelson Mandela</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Praised for her courageous defiance during a brutal period of state terror in apartheid South Africa, her resolve - even in the most difficult personal circumstances - inspired many to continue.</p>
<p><a href="https://theelders.org/kofi-annan"><strong>Kofi Annan</strong></a>, Chair of The Elders said,</p>
<p><em>"Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a voice of defiance who refused to be silenced. Her life was a testament to both the strengths and weaknesses of the human character. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's courage and resilience inspired a generation of activists, both in South Africa and around the world."</em></p>
<p>ENDS</p>
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<p>For media inquiries, please contact Jenny Yates, Programme Director at The Elders (+44 7917 765912) or email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]&quot; target="_blank">[email protected]</a></p>