Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of former South African President Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela Mandela died on Monday, September 25, the family has reported.
The 43-year-old Zoleka Mandela died after suffering from cancer for a very long time.
She died after being admitted to a hospital for treatment of cancer of the hip, liver, pelvis, spinal cord, and brain.
According to a statement released by her family, recent scans indicated that the cancer had reached an advanced stage with symptoms of lung fibrosis and blood clots.
“On Monday, September 18, Zoleka Mandela was admitted into the hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.”
READ ALSO: Megan Rapinoe ends her football career with a win over South Africa
“Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25, surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her,” read part of the official statement from the family.
News24 has reported that friends and relatives were beside Zoleka in her hospital bed when she died.
She is the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid hero in South Africa and the world’s best-known political prisoner.
READ ALSO: Chicken shortage hits South Africa
The Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa in 1994 and served for only five years before handing over power to Mbeki.
He made history as the first black African president in South Africa from May 10, 1994, to June 14, 1999.
