Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 43 due to cancer, according to her family’s announcement on Tuesday.
Renowned for her courageous battle against this illness, Zoleka had been under ongoing treatment and was admitted to the hospital on Monday, as confirmed by a family spokesperson.
Zwelabo Mandela, the family spokesperson, stated, “Zoleka passed away, surrounded by friends and family.”
She was the child of Zindzi Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s youngest daughter, and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.
Recent medical scans had shown “significant” progress in her fight against cancer, which had impacted her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation expressed its condolences, writing on social media, “We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba,” referring to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate by his affectionate nickname. “Her tireless efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and her steadfast commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.”
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