Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of anti-apartheid hero and South African Nelson Mandela, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 43 from cancer, her family announced.
A family spokesman said the author, who is well known for having chronicled her protracted battle with the illness, was admitted to the hospital on Monday as part of her ongoing treatment.
“Zoleka passed away… surrounded by friends and family,” said Zwelabo Mandela.
She was the child of Mandela’s youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela, and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.
The family said recent scans revealed “significant” progress in the cancer that affected her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation wrote on social media, using the name by which the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was fondly known.
“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.”
