Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 43 due to cancer, as confirmed by a family spokesperson in a statement released on Tuesday.
The statement, posted on her official Instagram account, conveyed that Zoleka peacefully departed on the evening of September 25th, surrounded by loved ones.
Zoleka had openly shared her battle with cancer on her social media platform. On August 23, she expressed her profound thoughts, stating, “How do I explain to my children that this time, I may not overcome this challenge? How can I reassure them when the situation is so uncertain? I am facing the end… I do not want to leave.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation also expressed its condolences on Tuesday, extending sympathies to the Mandela family for the tragic loss of Zoleka Mandela. In their statement, the foundation remembered her as a cherished grandchild of Winnie and Madiba (Nelson Mandela) and a friend of the Foundation.
Zoleka was recognized for her tireless efforts as an advocate for healthcare and justice. The foundation acknowledged her vital role in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering dedication to eliminating the stigma associated with this disease, stating that her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Additionally, her activism extended to road safety campaigns, prompted by the tragic loss of her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, in a car accident in 2010.
Source: CNN
