Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zoleka dies of cancer

Zoleka, a granddaughter of South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela, has died of cancer at the age of 43.

News of her death was communicated to the public by her family on Tuesday.Ms Zoleka, who had often written about her long battle with cancer, was admitted into the hospital on Monday for a routine check-up, a family spokesman said.

A recent scan on the deceased showed a significant progress in the cancer that affected her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.The Nelson Mandela Foundation took to X platform to announce and mourn the death of Ms Zoleka citing her works in cancer prevention.“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation wrote on social media.“Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all.”Ms Zoleka was the child of Mandela’s youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.