The granddaughter of South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela, Zoleka Mandela, has died at the age of 43 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
A statement released by the Mandela family’s spokesperson, Zwelabo Mandela confirming the passing of Zoleka on Tuesday, said she died after being admitted to hospital on September 18 for an ongoing treatment for cancer of the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
The statement said recent scans had revealed significant disease progression, including lung fibrosis and several emboli blood clots.
A renowned author and activist, Zokela was the child of Mandela’s youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela, and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane. She took after her granddad who was well known for his fight to liberate South Africa from the clutches of apartheid, spending 27 years in prison in the struggle.
He was released from the Victor Verster Prison in Cape Town on February 11, 1990, a significant step towards the end of apartheid in the country, and making him the striking symbol of the country’s struggle.
He became President of a free South Africa from May 10, 1994, till June 14, 1999.
Zokela had a very strong voice on social media and through her Instagram series, “Dear Diary, #TerminallyFree,” she gave voice to the cancer community, sharing the ups and downs of her journey with brutal honesty.
She used her platform to educate and raise awareness, inspiring all those suffering the cruelties of the disease.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation also confirmed the death of Zokela in a post on social media:
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba. 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.”