It’s with a heavy heart that I report that Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, passed away on Monday at the age of 43.
A statement, released on Zoleka’s official Instagram page, detailed her ongoing battle with metastatic cancer.
On Monday, September 18th, Zoleka Mandela was admitted into hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.
Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli.
Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th, surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her.
See the original statement below.
Zoleka Mandela was the daughter of MJ Seakamela and Zindzi Mandela, and the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and his second wife, Winnie Mandela.
She was an outspoken writer and activist for health care and justice.
“Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation said.
My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the Mandela family during their time of bereavement.
Rest in paradise Zoleka Mandela.
