Zoleka Mandela has passed away after her long battle with cancer.
Mandela is well-known as the granddaughter to South Africa’s most loved anti-apartheid icons Nelson and Winnie Mandela.
In a short statement on Tuesday, family spokesperson Zwelabo Mandela, said Mandela was admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
"Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25, surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her," he said.
On September 17, Zoleka took to Instagram to share that she had a CT scan administered which revealed blood clots and fibrosis on her lungs.
"This explains the chest pains I had been feeling. My medical oncologist has recommended blood thinners and oral chemo," Zoleka posted.
In 2012, the author and activist was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the years that followed, she received two additional cancer diagnoses, and in 2022 she shared with her followers that cancer had returned and had spread to her bones.
Through her Instagram series, "Dear Diary, #TerminallyFree," Zoleka has given voice to the cancer community, sharing the ups and downs of her journey with brutal honesty.
She has used her platform to educate and raise awareness, inspiring all those who have suffered the cruelties of the disease.
This is painful.. She fought.. Am touched, her children yooo... Rest In Peace ZOLEKA MANDELA 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
— Bonofulu Nematomboni (@BonoBonofulu) September 26, 2023
Zoleka Mandela fought so much. She instilled hope in most of us & taught us not to ever give up even if the end is near. What an inspiration she was. I will definitely remember her resilience and gratitude. May her soul rest in peace. Condolences to the friends and families. 🤍🕊️
— Inno Matijane (@innomatijane) September 26, 2023
Zoleka Mandela's passing and all i thought of.... was her children...so young....the real reason i fear to have kids....the thought of leaving them behind at a younger age💔💔💔💔Cancer is dangerous...She lived yena...hayi impela she lived uMoghel ngathi she knew life was short pic.twitter.com/BxwQOBlqtO
— SizaM (@MissSizakeleM) September 26, 2023
IOL