Zoleka Mandela, Granddaughter of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela, has died at the age of 43.
Zoleka Mandela died surrounded by friends and family, a spokesperson said, after fighting the disease for years.
Who was Zoleka Mandela?
Zoleka Mandela was a South African writer, activist, and Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter. She wrote about her addictions, her daughter’s death, and her own battles with breast cancer.
Zoleka was born on 9 April 1980, and was the daughter of Zindzi Mandela and her first husband Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.
Her mother’s family, the Mandelas, are direct descendants of King Madiba of the Thembu people and serve as chieftains of Mvezo, their ancestral chiefdom.
Zoleka spoke about s3xual abuse in her childhood. She was also addicted to drugs and alcohol for a time.
In 2010, Zoleka’s 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, was killed in a car crash on the way home from a concert.
The accident was said to be due to drugs and, at the time, Zoleka Mandela was recovering from a suicide attempt. Mandela published her autobiography in 2013.
Mandela campaigned against deaths caused by road accidents noting the particular hazards affecting sub Saharan African children who are twice as likely to be killed in car accidents as children anywhere else in the world.
Zoleka Mandela Cause of Death
Zoleka Mandela died from cancer on 25 September 2023, at the age of 43, her family said on Tuesday.
The family said recent scans revealed “significant” progress in the cancer that affected her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation wrote on social media, using the name by which the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was fondly known.
“Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, which promotes the legacy of the South African statesman who died in 2013, said it mourned Zoleka Mandela’s death and offered its condolences to her family.
It said she was a “beloved grandchild” to Nelson Mandela and praised her work raising awareness for cancer and her role as an inspiration to those affected by the disease and to those who had lost children.
She set up foundations to help people in both spheres.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of #ZolekaMandela, tragically last night.
We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the foundation.
When her inspiring memoir When… pic.twitter.com/irmXI1qZwQ
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) September 26, 2023
Many of her followers shared tributes upon the demise of Zoleka Mandela. One person wrote, “My heart is shattered, I have never connected with someone on social media like I did with this beautiful, brave, kind and loving woman.”
Another said “Cancer is just the most heartbreaking illness. You fought so valiantly and with all the grace and positivity. May your soul rest in peace and May God cover her children and family.”
When is Zoleka Mandela funeral?
Details of the memorial and funeral service for Zoleka Mandela have been announced.
An official statement shared on her social pages said a prayer session would be held at the Mandela family home in Soweto on Wednesday from 6pm.
Zoleka Mandela memorial service
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 28 at 3pm, also at the Mandela family home.
Zoleka Mandela funeral
The funeral is to take place at Bryanston Methodist Church on Friday.
Tributes to Zoleka continue to pour in on social media.
Zoleka, who was the granddaughter of struggle stalwarts Nelson and Winnie Mandela, is remembered for her resilient spirit.
“We are left with so many questions when tragedy strikes in this way. Truth is we are only allowed to see in part and sometimes our souls grab hold of a revelation that has the power to live beyond us. I’m sharing a clip from this beautiful interview in celebration of an inspiring, purposeful life to remind us of what Zoleka Mandela‘s journey stood for,” actress Bonnie Mbuli wrote on her timeline.
“Rest easy Zoleka Mandela. Your story is a tool for true warriors. Strength to your children and your loved ones. You lived,” actress Pebetsi Matlaila wrote.
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