Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of South Africa’s first democratic president Nelson Mandela, died on Monday, 25 September 2023. She was 43.
Zoleka Mandela dies: What’s the cause of death?
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Following a well-documented journey fighting a terminal case of bone metastasis, Mandela, whose grandmother was the fierce struggle stalwart and marytr of women’s rights Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, succumbed to her third cancer diagnosis.
In a statement released by her family, it was revealed the 43-year-old died during treatment for cancer of the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
In April 2022, Zoleka defied odds and, despite repeated warnings from oncologists about the dangers that lurk alongside her prenatal journeys, welcomed her sixth child, Zingce Zobuhle Mandela.
The suffrage she endured bearing children while battling two breast cancer diagnoses is documented in her autobiography When Hope Whispers.
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Zoleka Mandela obituary
Born in 1980, Zoleka Mandela was the daughter of Zindzi Mandela and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.
Her family, the Mandelas, held a significant place in South African history, tracing their lineage directly to King Madiba of the Thembu people.
They also served as chieftains of Mvezo, their ancestral chiefdom.
Mandela’s early life was marred by adversity, including the harrowing experience of childhood sexual abuse.
She also faced personal battles with addiction, grappling with drug and alcohol dependency during a challenging period in her life.
In 2010, tragedy struck Mandela when her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, lost her life in a car crash following a concert.
The incident, reportedly linked to drug-related factors, compounded her personal anguish. During this trying time, Mandela herself faced significant difficulties, including a suicide attempt.
Despite the heartbreak, Zoleka Mandela remained resolute in her determination to share her life’s journey.
In 2013, she published her autobiography, offering a candid account of her personal trials and tribulations.
Zoleka’s strength extended to her health struggles.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she underwent treatment, only to confront a recurrence in 2016.
Throughout her journey, she used social media as a platform to candidly discuss her experiences, including the removal of tumors and the effects of chemotherapy.
Her openness aimed to raise awareness and foster understanding of this formidable disease.
Zoleka Mandela’s unwavering spirit and commitment to change earned her recognition as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2016.
She acknowledged her most significant achievements occurred after her grandfather’s passing and expressed a desire to have made a difference during his lifetime.
Her passion for road safety led her to campaign against the alarming rate of road accidents, with a particular focus on the disproportionate risks faced by sub-Saharan African children.
Her advocacy sought to protect the lives of young ones, who were tragically twice as likely to lose their lives in car accidents in this region compared to elsewhere.
Reactions to Zoleka Mandela’s death
Mandela’s legacy as a writer, advocate, and symbol of resilience continues to inspire. Here are some of the social media reactions to Mandela’s death: