Messages of condolences streamed in from the president and political parties on Wednesday following the death of Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe, the widow of PAC founder Robert Sobukwe.

PAC leader Narius Moloto confirmed to News24 earlier on Wednesday morning that Sobukwe had died in hospital overnight. She was 91.

"We are saddened, but at the same time we celebrate her life, a life well lived, and a principled woman. She was a very strong woman, she supported her husband through tribulation, she was behind Sobukwe.

"She never wavered, she raised the children alone because her husband was in prison or under house arrest," Moloto said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since expressed his condolences to her family.

In April this year, Ramaphosa bestowed the National Order of Luthuli in Silver on Sobukwe, who was also known as the "Mother of Azania".

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the death of her husband, Robert.

"We have lost a heroine of resistance and a fighter for the freedom of all South Africans, who continued her activism into our democratic dispensation. We will always remember and honour her extraordinary contribution," Ramaphosa said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has wished comfort and strength to her family, friends, and the entire Pan-Africanist movement.

"Mama Sobukwe is amongst the women who went through hell due to the activism of her husband, who was hated and feared by the murderous apartheid regime," EFF national spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said.

Ndlozi said "finally, after 24 years of democracy", the country would expropriate land without compensation – a PAC objective for African people to own land, achieved.

The African National Congress (ANC) said Sobukwe was a struggle stalwart in her own right.

Head of the presidency at Luthuli House Zizi Kodwa said she had endured pain, rejection and immense suffering at the hands of the apartheid regime.

"National Orders are awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, as well as human rights."