Zoleka Mandela, who is Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, has sadly passed away at the age of 43 due to cancer, as confirmed by a family spokesperson in a statement.
The statement was shared on her official Instagram account and mentioned that Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th, while surrounded by her loved ones.
Zoleka had been sharing her journey and struggles with cancer on her Instagram account.
On August 23rd, she expressed her concerns about how to tell her children about her condition:
“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 Nelson Mandela Foundation also expressed its condolences to the Mandela family in a statement.
They described Zoleka as a beloved grandchild of Winnie and Madiba (Nelson Mandela’s nickname) and a friend of the Foundation.
Zoleka was recognized for her tireless efforts in advocating for healthcare and justice.
The foundation praised her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her dedication to breaking down the stigma associated with the disease, noting that her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Zoleka’s activism extended beyond cancer awareness.
She was also involved in campaigns promoting road safety, driven by a tragic event in 2010 when her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, lost her life in a car accident.
