Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa is grieving the tragic loss of Zoleka Mandela, a renowned writer, activist, and granddaughter of the iconic Nelson Mandela. Zoleka Mandela’s passing was announced on Monday evening, September 25, 2023, surrounded by her close friends and family. She was 43 years old.
According to reports, Zoleka had been admitted to a hospital on September 18, where she was undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer that had spread to multiple parts of her body, including her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord. Her courageous battle with cancer has come to an end, leaving a void in the hearts of those who admired her indomitable spirit.
Zoleka’s journey with cancer began in 2011 when she received treatment for breast cancer, which unfortunately recurred in 2016. Throughout her battle, she candidly shared her experiences on social media, shedding light on the challenges of cancer treatment, including the removal of tumors and chemotherapy-related side effects.
Born in 1980 to Zindzi Mandela and her first husband, Zwelebanzi Hlongwane, Zoleka was part of the Mandela family, direct descendants of King Madiba of the Thembu people and custodians of their ancestral chiefdom, Mvezo.
Zoleka’s life was marked by her resilience in the face of adversity. She courageously spoke out about childhood sexual abuse and openly battled addiction to drugs and alcohol. Tragically, in 2010, her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani Mandela, lost her life in a car accident allegedly caused by drugs. At the time, Zoleka was recovering from a suicide attempt. In 2013, she published her autobiography, sharing her remarkable journey with the world.
Ladylondie shared the death news of Zoleka Mandela.
Zoleka Mandela Sadly Passed Away at the age of 43 after her long Battle with Cancer 🕊❤️ Rest now Queen
Zoleka Mandela’s impact extended beyond her personal struggles. In 2016, she was recognized by the BBC as one of the “100 Women.” She expressed her greatest regret as feeling that she had only achieved significant accomplishments after her grandfather’s passing, rather than during his lifetime. She tirelessly campaigned against road accident deaths, highlighting the alarming statistic that children in sub-Saharan Africa are twice as likely to die in car accidents as children in other regions.
South Africa and the world at large remember Zoleka Mandela for her unwavering commitment to social causes, her resilience in the face of personal challenges, and her dedication to making the world a safer place, especially for children. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to stand up for what they believe in and to strive for positive change.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
