THE Nelson Mandela Foundation has sent messages of condolences to the Mandela’s family.
This follows the death of Zoleka Mandela, on Monday due to cancer.
The outspoken Zoleka was the granddaughter to first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela and the late Winnie Madikizela- Mandela.
The Foundation said she raised “awareness about cancer prevention” as well as “breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease” and was “inspirational”.
Zoleka had become well known for detailing her cancer treatment. She was also open about her history of drug addiction.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age of 32, received treatment and was in remission but the illness later returned.
Last year, she confirmed that she had cancer in her liver and lungs, it then spread to other organs. She was being treated as an outpatient but was admitted to hospital just over a week ago.
Zoleka (43) also campaigned for better road safety after her 13-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident in 2010 during the first African Soccer World Cup. She later lost a son who was born prematurely.
She also spoke about her struggles with depression and the fact that she had been sexually abused as a child.
In her autobiography ‘When Hope Whispers’ she asked: “What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be OK when it’s not? I’m dying… I don’t want to die,” she was quoted.
“I’m learning to be okay with my eventuality,” she said.
She is survived by four children.
Zoleka died on the eve of her grandmother’s birthday.
The family has confirmed the funeral service for this Friday.
Image (Zoleka Mandela has died due to cancer).
