2023-09-26 20:09:12
Zoleka Mandela, the activist, writer and granddaughter of South African leader Nelson Mandela, has died at the age of 43. Her death followed a battle with metastatic cancer that affected multiple parts of her body, including her hip, liver, lungs, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
Zoleka Mandela had entered the hospital on September 18 to receive medical treatment. Following a statement from the Mandela family, it was learned that Zoleka died last Monday afternoon.
“Zoleka passed away on the afternoon of Monday, September 25, surrounded by friends and family,” the statement said. They also noted that Zoleka was suffering from “significant disease progression, including pulmonary fibrosis and several emboli (blood clots).”
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The activist stood out for her book “When Hope Whispers,” where she spoke about her illness and addictions. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Nelson Mandela, who died in 2013 at age 95, Zoleka worked to fight discrimination, gender violence and other injustices in her native South Africa.
Zoleka, who was the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela’s second wife, Winnie, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32. The activist received treatment, however, last year she announced that the cancer had spread to other organs.
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Zoleka’s life was marked after suffering the loss of her 13-year-old daughter. Her youngest was run over during the opening of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010, so Zoleka promoted a campaign to improve road safety in her country. Throughout her life, the South African also managed to overcome her addiction to drugs and alcohol.
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