ANC Member of Parliament Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has arrived in Durban to pay her respects to the late struggle stalwart Professor Fatima Meer. She and Meer became close friends during the struggle. They were both detained for organising resistance against the apartheid government.

Meer also shared her salary with Madikizela-Mandela while former president Nelson Mandela was jailed.

Meanwhile, family and friends are making their way to the Meer family residence to pay their last respects. Meer's body is expected to lie in state at the house until 12:30, before being taken to the Durban Exhibition Centre where the funeral service will take place.

Politicians and friends say Professor Fathima Meer will be remembered for the pivotal role she played in South Africa's liberation struggle. Meer will be given a special funeral in Durban this afternoon.

Prominent struggle stalwart and former Robber Island inmate Ahmed Kathrada says he was a protege of Meer's late husband, Ismail. Kathrada and says he was not surprised when she decided not to join Parliament after 1994.

"She made statements that some people may describe as controversial. But if she went to Parliament, she would have lost that freedom to say what she likes. And one thing about Fatima that stands out is that she used to speak out. There were times that we did not agree, but nothing would keep her back. She had strong views, and she did not hesitate to express them."

The late veteran activist passed away in a Durban hospital yesterday after suffering a stroke late last month. The prominent 81-year old academic and activist was banned at least three times during the struggle against apartheid. She also wrote the first biography of former president Nelson Mandela.