Hudson set for Mandela role

Jennifer Hudson is to play Winnie Mandela in a new movie.

The singer-and-actress – who won an Oscar for her role in ‘Dreamgirls’ – will play the title role in ‘Winnie’, a biopic of the outspoken wife of Nelson Mandela.

Speaking about the role, Jennifer said: “I was compelled and moved when I read the script. Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman, and I'm honoured to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told."

Winnie married the political leader in 1957 and worked as a social worker, before becoming an outspoken opponent of apartheid following her husband’s 1963 imprisonment. The couple had separated before he became South African Prime Minister.

In 1991, Winnie was arrested and convicted in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old government informant.

In 2003, she was found guilty of fraud and theft of money from a funeral fund but has since re-entered politics.