Four Mandela Generations Gone
The Mandela family, known for their indomitable spirit and tireless fight for justice, is mourning the loss of another beloved member. Author Zoleka Mandela, daughter of Zindzi and granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, passed away on Monday, September 25th, 2023. Her untimely death came after a brave battle with metastatic cancer that had spread to multiple organs.
Zoleka was admitted to the hospital on September 18th for ongoing treatment. Her family confirmed her death on her Instagram account in a statement.
“On Monday, September 18th. Zoleka Mandela was admitted into hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
Recent scans revealed significant disease progression Including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli.
Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th. surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her,” read the statement.
Zoleka Mandela leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strength, as well as her four children: three daughters and one son.
Four Mandela Generations Gone (Image Credit: Daily Sun)Also Read: Farewell to a Hero: Zoleka Mandela’s Inspiring Journey Ends in Battle Against Cancer
Four Mandela Generations Embrace Eternity; Winnie, Zenani, and Zindzi Mandela Deaths
The Mandela family has been no stranger to tragedy in recent years. In 2010, the great-granddaughter of Winnie and Nelson Mandela, Zenani Mandela, lost her life at the tender age of 13 in a devastating car accident.
The accident occurred just two days after her birthday while she was returning home from the World Cup concert in Soweto. Her passing was a heartbreaking loss to the Mandela clan.
Zenani’s mother, Zoleka Mandela, openly shared her battle with drug and alcohol addiction and even a suicide attempt at the time of her daughter’s tragic death. The driver of the car, Sizwe Mankazana, was the son of Zindzi’s partner, adding a layer of complexity to the family’s grief.
Zenani’s passing preceded that of her great-grandfather, Nelson Mandela, who peacefully passed away in December 2013 at the age of 95.
In April 2018, the Mandela family mourned the loss of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the first wife of Nelson Mandela. She passed away at the age of 81, following her admission to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
Winnie’s legacy as a prominent anti-apartheid activist and her resilience during the most challenging times in South Africa’s history will always be remembered.
Tragedy struck once more in July 2020 when Zoleka’s mother, Zindzi Mandela, the youngest daughter of Nelson Mandela and a stalwart anti-apartheid activist in her own right, passed away at the age of 59. Her death occurred in the early hours of a Monday morning at a Johannesburg hospital.
