Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who divorced the former South African president in 1996, was hospitalised at the Life Brenthurst Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa after complaining of ankle plain.

Doctors performed a minor operation on her foot and are currently monitoring her recovery.

A spokesperson for the African National Congress says, ""She is recuperating well and she is under the doctor's observation.""

Madikizela-Mandela is to be portrayed on the big screen by Jennifer Hudson in the upcoming biopic Winnie, due for release later this year (11).