Mandela’s Granddaughter Zoleka Passes Away at 43 After Battle with Cancer

In a somber announcement, the family of Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of South Africa’s iconic first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, has revealed her passing at the age of 43 due to cancer.

The sad news was communicated through an official statement posted on Instagram by a family spokesperson, confirming that Zoleka departed on Monday evening, surrounded by her close circle of friends and family.

Zoleka Mandela had risen to prominence in recent years, not only for her courageous fight against cancer but also for her candid discussions about her struggles with drug addiction, depression, and her painful childhood experience of sexual abuse. Her inspiring journey was encapsulated in her autobiography titled “When Hope Whispers.”

Over a decade ago, Zoleka faced her initial diagnosis of breast cancer, underwent treatment, and achieved a period of remission. Tragically, the cancer returned, this time afflicting her liver and lungs, subsequently spreading to other vital organs.

Last year, she made the brave revelation of her battle with liver and lung cancer, and her unwavering determination led her to seek treatment. On September 18, Zoleka was admitted to the hospital due to the severity of her condition. In a heartfelt Instagram post dated September 17, she shared the challenges she encountered, including blood clots and lung fibrosis, but remained hopeful and expressed gratitude for the treatment options available to her.