-Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, is dead.
Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of the first post-apartheid president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, is dead.
Reports say Zoleka was admitted to the hospital on September 18 for metastatic disease on her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.
“Recent scans revealed significant disease progression, including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli,” the statement from the family said.
“Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25, surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her”
The vivacious Zoleka had widely documented her cancer treatment and her trauma from sexual abuse and addiction to drugs.
Zoleka lived with cancer for slightly over a decade, having been diagnosed with the disease at 32.
Zoleka Mandela has sadly passed away.
May her soul rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8ze1Fasnt6
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) September 26, 2023
The disease would surface last year after going into remission for close to a decade.
Zoleka was the daughter of diplomat Zindzi Mandela-Hlongwane, who was the daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela.
She also lost her 13-year-old daughter in 2010 in a road accident.
In 2022, Mandela wrote regarding her cancer diagnosis:
“I don’t even have the words to articulate my thoughts and feelings, the words to describe how scared I am right now. What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around, I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be okay when it’s not?
“I’m dying… I don’t want to die.”
The South African is survived by her four children.
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The Nelson Mandela Foundation said:
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.
“When her inspiring memoir When Hope Whispers was published, she graciously signed copies for all our staff and ran a leadership session for the staff around the book.
“Zoleka was a tireless activist for healthcare and justice. 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.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this most difficult time. Hamba kahle Zoleka, we will remember you.”
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