Zoleka Mandela was a South African writer and activist better known as Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter.
She was born on April 9, 1980, and her parents are MJ Seakamela and Zindzi Mandela.
Her mother’s family, the Mandelas, are direct descendants of King Madiba of the Thembu people and serve as chieftains of Mvezo, their ancestral chiefdom.
Zoleka has written about her addictions, her daughter’s death, and her own battles with breast cancer.
She has spoken about sexual abuse in her childhood and was also addicted to drugs and alcohol for a time.
In 2010, Zoleka’s 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, was killed in a car crash on the way home from a concert, per Wikipedia.
The accident was said to be due to drugs and, at the time, Zoleka was reportedly recovering from a suicide attempt.
Zoleka Mandela death
Zoleka sadly passed away on September 26, 2023, at the age of 43 after a long battle with cancer.
Her death has been met with sadness and condolences from people around the world, and widely reported by both local and international media.
In a statement, Zoleka’s family described her as a “beloved grandchild”, and praised her work raising awareness of cancer and her role as an inspiration to others.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the Mandela family and praised Zoleka’s work in raising awareness of cancer.
Additionally, many celebrities took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the deceased activist.
Actress Viola Davis tweeted, “My heart goes out to the Mandela family. Rest in power Zoleka Mandela.”
People around the world have expressed their sadness at Zoleka’s death and have shared memories of her on social media.
Many have praised her for her work in raising awareness of cancer and for being an inspiration to others.
Zoleka’s death is a reminder of the devastating impact of cancer and the importance of raising awareness of the disease.
Her legacy will live on through her work and the memories of those who knew and loved her.
Zoleka Mandela has sadly passed away.
May her soul rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8ze1Fasnt6
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) September 26, 2023
What was Zoleka Mandela’s cause of death?
Zoleka died at the age of 43 due to cancer.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 32 years old, leading to a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Her cancer returned later, and she documented her battle with cancer on her official Instagram account.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue.
It occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass.
Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is much more common in women.
There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue.
Other types of breast cancer include invasive lobular carcinoma, which starts in the milk-producing glands and inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but there are several risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
These include age, gender, family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations, exposure to estrogen and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity and lack of physical activity.
Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge or inversion, and skin changes such as redness, scaliness or dimpling.
Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, as well as a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can greatly improve a person’s chances of survival.
It is recommended that women undergo regular breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, starting at age 40 or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
Zoleka Mandela’s daughter
Zoleka was a tireless activist for healthcare and justice, and her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease was widely recognized.
She was diagnosed with cancer when she was 32, but was in remission when the illness returned later.
She had widely documented her cancer treatment in recent years and was open about sexual abuse in her childhood and addiction to drugs.
Zoleka’s activism also included road safety campaigns after her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, was killed in a car accident in 2010.
Her life was tangled up in addiction, a suicide attempt, a battle with cancer, and the tragedy of losing two young children.
Her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, was killed in a car crash in 2010 on the way back from a concert that marked the opening of the soccer World Cup in South Africa.
It was caused by a drunk driver and came when Zoleka, herself, was deep in her addiction.
