Mandela's Ex Poised for Return to Power

Placed high on her party’s list of future MPs, Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is set to return to a central role in South Africa’s government, the Guardian reports. Such a position is already sparking controversy surrounding Madikizela-Mandela's past—including a 2003 fraud conviction when she was deputy arts minister, and a 1991 kidnapping conviction and accessory role in a 14-year-old’s death.

Some argue, meanwhile, that a constitutional rule on convicts bars Madikizela-Mandela from taking elected office after April’s vote. But “Winnie has an iconic status in the townships," said an expert. "She will help the ANC gain votes from the poor—those who are fed up with the lack of service delivery and who might otherwise stop supporting the ANC."