By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Mandela family has confirmed the passing of Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of struggle stalwarts Nelson and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, at the age of 43.
In a short statement released by the family, Zoleka died after being admitted to hospital on Monday for ongoing treatment for cancer of the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
The statement said that recent scans had revealed significant disease progression, including lung fibrosis and several emboli (blood clots).
Zoleka was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her death.
She was admitted to hospital in May after she was diagnosed with stage three liver and lung cancer last year.
The author was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 2012, and again in 2016 after surviving the first time.
She documented her 10-year breast cancer journey in an autobiography, When Hope Whispers, and known as a cancer survivor, took to Instagram announcing the doctors’ reports after her oncologist performed a CAT scan
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.
Heartfelt tributes pour in for late Zoleka Mandela
The Nelson Mandela Foundation released a statement paying tribute to the mother of six.
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation. When her inspiring memoir When Hope Whispers was published, she graciously signed copies for all our staff and ran a leadership session for the staff about the book.”
“Zoleka was a tireless activist for healthcare and justice. Her work in raising awareness on cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all.”
ActionSA also released a statement paying tribute to Zoleka.
“ActionSA sends its deepest condolences to the Mandela and Seakamela families for the loss of their daughter, Zoleka Mandela. Zoleka had a fighter’s spirit and a gentle soul like her grandmother, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. May her soul rest in peace, “ActionSA National Spokesperson, Lerato Ngobeni said on Tuesday morning.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) hailed Zoleka as “an unwavering champion for cancer awareness and prevention, dedicating herself tirelessly to enhancing the well-being of those impacted by this relentless disease, through her organisation, the Zoleka Mandela Foundation”.
Mandela’s death is a reminder of the need to invest in fighting cancer in our health system. Cancer is significant cause of death in South Africa, and many people do not have access to the treatment and support they need. There is a need for more to invest in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment”.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said Mandela would be reunited with her grandmother, Winnie Mandela and mother, Zinzi.
“Gone too soon Zoleka Mandela joining her peerless grandmother Winnie Madikizela Mandela and mother Zinzi Mandela. She fought very hard and made a huge difference in people’s lives. Hearfelt condolences to the children, broader family, colleagues and friends,” tweeted former Public Protector Thuli Mandonsela hours after the news of Zoleka’s death.”
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has joined South Africans in expressing her deepest condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela.
In her tribute, Dube-Ncube said Mandela was a brave and outspoken advocate for cancer awareness.
“Her story and her fight against cancer inspired many people to seek help and support those who are affected by cancer, and her legacy will live on in the work that continues to be done to raise awareness on cancer.
“Zoleka Mandela was a fighter: at a young age she fought abuse and later in life she fought cancer, and in her battle with cancer she became an inspiration to many people. Zoleka was a loving mother to her children, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier said Mandela’s legacy will live on in the work that continues to be done to improve the lives of cancer patients in South Africa.
She urged people who are battling cancer to seek help at an early stage so that it is detected and attended to.
“There are many resources available to help people get the support they need, and there is no shame in asking for help. If you are struggling with cancer, please know that you are not alone.”
She is survived by four children and wrote in an Instagram post earlier this month: “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.”
In 2016, she was chosen as one of the BBC’s 100 Women and she was a United Nations global ambassador on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and child health. Her autobiography, When Hope Whispers, shares her story in the hope that her life will inspire people to follow many of their dreams “despite life’s frequent ebbs and expected flows.”
It is a bittersweet moment for the Mandela family as Zoleka passed away a day before the government honoured her grandmother, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.