President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed grief over the death of South Africa’s Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The civil rights icon died at the Netcare Milpark Hospital on Monday, 2 April 2018.

President Akufo-Addo in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 3 April 2018, described Winnie as a “fearless” woman who will forever be remembered for her role in the fight for independence for South Africa.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the death of Winnie Mandela. Her name will echo down the ages, and will forever be remembered as a freedom fighter and a fearless and remarkable woman. Rest in perfect peace ‘Mama Wetu’. You’ve earned it,” he stated.

The apartheid icon had been ill for a number of years and was most recently admitted to Milpark Hospital due to an infection affecting her kidneys.

The last time the stalwart was in a hospital was in October 2017 for a knee surgery, which she had a full recovery from.

During her ex-husband’s 27-year imprisonment for his fight against apartheid, Madikizela-Mandela campaigned for his release and the rights of black South Africans, undergoing arrest and banishment. White minority rule ended in 1994.

The former South African first lady was born in the village of Mbongweni, Bizana, in the Transkei.