LUSAKA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday sent a message of condolences to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the death of that country's iconic anti-apartheid legend Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Lungu said the death of Winnie Mandela was a great loss not only to South Africa but the entire African continent.

"Mama Winnie Mandela will be remembered for her exemplary leadership and gallant activism against the repressive apartheid regime. She was one of the most recognizable faces of the struggle and a true champion of democracy, equality and human rights," he said in a statement released by his office.

Her relentless and selfless struggle enormously contributed to the country's aspirations for a just and equal society that many take for granted today, he added.

Winnie, 81, and former wife of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, died on Monday after an illness.