South African city of Johannesburg CNN — Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, passed away from cancer on Tuesday at the age of 43, according to a statement released by the family.
In the presence of friends and family, Zoleka died away on the evening of September 25th, according to a statement posted on her official Instagram account.
On the account, she wrote about her struggle with cancer.On August 23, she penned the following: “What do I tell my kids?How can I explain to them that I might not be able to live my life as a survivor this time?How do I reassure them that everything will be well when it won’t?I am dying…I don’t want to pass away.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Nelson Mandela Foundation expressed its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the tragic passing of Zoleka Mandela.
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.”
“A tireless activist for Healthcare and justice,” the foundation called her.
“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,” it said.
Following the death of her daughter Zenani, 13, in a car accident in 2010, her activism also includes efforts for road safety.
