South African President Jacob Zuma has expressed codolence over the death of anti-apartheid stalwart Fatima Meer.

Meer, a friend and biographer of Nelson Mandela, died Friday at a hospital in Durban after suffering from a stroke for the past two weeks. She was 81.

'Our condolences go out to her family, especially her two daughters, friends and comrades. Our love, support and prayers are with them in this hour of need,' President Jacob Zuma said in his message.

The president said the African National Congress leader dedicated all her life to the struggle for freedom and equality among South Africans and worked tirelessly to improve relations between Indians and Africans in Durban, BuaNews reported.

Meer, who studied Sociology in the University of Natal, was an advisor to the Minister of Arts and Culture and served in the National Symbols Commission and the National Anthem Commission of the South African government.

Meer, who was also a member of the Film and Publication Board and the Board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation, has written more than 40 books, including Mandela's biography 'Higher than Hope'.

She was also involved in the production of the movie 'The Making of a Mahatma'.