President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office says Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, died at an age that deprived the nation of her full potential.
Joining individuals and organizations who have expressed their condolences to the Mandela family, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ms. Mandela, who has passed away at an age that has deprived all of us of the benefit of her full potential, with her charismatic and creative commitment to a diversity of social causes as well as campaigns.”
Magwenya said the president’s office received the tragic news of the author’s passing on Tuesday.
“As the Presidency, we add our sincerest condolences to the sympathies expressed by many individuals and organizations at the passing of Ms. Zoleka Mandela,” he said.
The Presidency wished the family well as they prepared for the funeral. TimesLIVE reported that Zoleka was admitted to the hospital on September 18 for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer in the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.
The family confirmed the news of her passing in a statement on her Instagram timeline.
“Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli. Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her,” read the statement.
In 2022 Zoleka confirmed she had cancer in her liver and lungs. The author, who documented her 10-year breast cancer journey in an autobiography, When Hope Whispers, and who was known as a cancer survivor, took to Instagram to announce the doctors’ reports after her oncologist performed a CAT scan.
In other news – MaXhosa’s Laduma welcomes bundle of joy
Congratulations are for designer Laduma Ngxokolo after he recently welcomed a new addition to the family. Taking to his Instagram timeline recently, the owner of the luxury fashion brand MaXhosa shared a snap of his little family at the hospital.
“Became uTata ka Qamata on 24/09/2023. So excited about this new journey of being a father to our precious little girl. Shout out to uMama ka Qamata for carrying our bundle of joy for so long.” Read More
