Zoleka, the granddaughter of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, the late Nelson Mandela, has tragically passed at the age of 43, following a courageous battle with metastatic cancer.
Last Monday, she was admitted to the hospital for treatment, but her condition deteriorated, and she passed away on Monday, surrounded by her loved ones and friends.
A family spokesperson shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, confirming her passing on Monday evening.
Zoleka had become well-known in recent years for her fearless openness about her journey through cancer treatment and her struggles with drug addiction, depression, and childhood sexual abuse.
She chronicled her extraordinary life story in an autobiography titled “When Hope Whispers.”
Over a decade ago, Zoleka confronted a breast cancer diagnosis, underwent treatment, and achieved remission.
Tragically, the cancer returned, affecting her liver and lungs last year, eventually spreading to other organs.
Throughout her battles, she maintained an inspiring sense of optimism, even in the face of challenges such as blood clots and lung fibrosis.
Just days before her passing, she expressed gratitude for the ongoing treatment options available to her.
