Opposition MDC-T leader Nelson Chamisa has joined other global leaders and South Africans in mourning the passing away of anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Madikizela-Mandela (81) died early this week triggering an outpouring of grief across South Africa and across the world.

In his condolence message, Chamisa described Madikizela-Mandela as a doyen of the struggle against oppression.

“Together with the entire world, we feel and share the severe loss and pain following the passing on of a legend and a patriotic daughter of Africa—Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

“Mama Winnie was emblematic of the black people’s tenacious struggle against apartheid,” said Chamisa.

Acting President Constantino Chiwenga also expressed his condolences on the passing away of the controversial but much loved politician.

Chamisa added: “She was unstinting in her aversion to oppression and racism.

Africa is poorer without this heroine whose status as a conqueror and heroine of Africa remains undented and undiminished.”

Madikizela-Mandela, Chamisa said “stands as a reminder and encourager of possibilities for young African women.”

The late Madikizela-Mandela was married to South Africa’s first black President and another stalwart of the struggle against apartheid Nelson Mandela but the two divorced just after majority rule in 1994.

Chamisa said the late ANC stalwart exuded the true inimitable spirit of resistance which every oppressed and repressed African should emulate.

The opposition leader said Madikizela-Mandela’s death had robbed Africa and the world of an icon adding: “The world is all the poorer at the sad loss of this patriotic daughter of Africa who etched her name in history as the icon of the continent’s perennial struggle for justice, freedom and democracy.”