The former wife of Nelson Mandela, ANC activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has died aged 81.

The pair were a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa for nearly three decades, and she carried on his work during his imprisonment.

Two years after his release in 1990, the marriage crumbled as her reputation crumbled, accused of conducting a reign of terror in parts of Soweto.

Nelson Mandela sacked her from his cabinet, then divorced her.

"I hope you will appreciate the pain I have gone through."

However, when the former President died in 2013, she was given a place of honour at his funeral.