Zoleka, Mandela’s granddaughter dies at 43

Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, the late Nelson Mandela, has tragically passed away at 43 after battling metastatic cancer.

She was admitted to the hospital last Monday for treatment but succumbed to the disease on the eve of her grandmother’s birthday, surrounded by loved ones and friends.

In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, a family spokesperson confirmed her passing on Monday evening.

Zoleka had gained recognition in recent years for bravely sharing her journey through cancer treatment and openly discussing her struggles with drug addiction, depression, and childhood sexual abuse. She penned her remarkable story in an autobiography titled “When Hope Whispers.”

More than a decade ago, Zoleka faced a breast cancer diagnosis, underwent treatment, and achieved remission. Unfortunately, the cancer returned, affecting her liver and lungs last year before spreading to other organs. She remained optimistic, even while dealing with blood clots and fibrosis in her lungs, expressing gratitude for continued treatment options just days before her passing.