Renowned Activist And Granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, Succumbs To Long Battle With Cancer At 43.
By Caroline Ameh
South Africa is mourning the loss of Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of the nation’s first democratically elected president and civil rights icon, Nelson Mandela at the age of 43, after a protracted struggle with cancer.
The news was officially confirmed on Tuesday by the family spokesperson Zwelabo Mandela and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
“Zoleka’s brave fight against cancer came to an end on the evening of Monday, September 25, as she was surrounded by her family and friends. Her battle had been marked by metastatic cancer’s relentless advance, affecting her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord”.
The family expressed their deep appreciation for the dedicated medical team that cared for her during this trying time.
In recent years, Zoleka Mandela had become widely known for her openness in sharing her personal battle with cancer, offering inspiration to her nearly 600,000 Instagram followers. She fearlessly discussed her history of drug addiction and the challenges of dealing with depression, providing a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation paid tribute to her impactful work, saying, “The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the tragic passing of Zoleka Mandela last night. Her tireless efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to dismantling the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all. We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.”
In 2013, Zoleka documented her life story in her autobiography, “When Hope Whispers.” Her own battle with breast cancer began at the age of 32, leading to extensive treatments, including a double mastectomy. However, cancer resurged in 2016. It was during this difficult period that she turned to social media to chronicle her journey, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage regular medical check-ups.
Last year, she bravely revealed that her fight had extended to her liver and lungs, with the disease spreading to other vital organs. Zoleka Mandela’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity will continue to serve as a symbol of hope and courage for countless individuals battling cancer and personal hardships.
Born on April 9, 1980, Zoleka Mandela was not only a passionate activist but also a prolific writer and advocate for healthcare and justice. Her advocacy for road safety intensified after the devastating loss of her 13-year-old daughter in a 2010 car accident near Johannesburg. She also endured the heartbreaking loss of a prematurely born son.
