In the great tapestry of history, few surnames carry the weight of importance quite like “Mandela”. Just like her grandfather, Nelson Mandela, Zoleka is a name that represents historical significance and personal triumph. She has an essence that can captivate hearts and minds around the world.
However, amidst the chaos, a piece of saddening news surfaced on the internet when it was reported that Zoleka Mandela had passed away. Hence, we will delve deeper into the life of Zoleka Mandela, her relationships, and her journey throughout.
On Monday, 25 September 2023, Zwelabo Mandela, brother of Zoleka Mandela, revealed that she had passed away at the age of 43. Additionally, a post on Zoleka’s Instagram disclosed that she was suffering from cancer in the brain, lungs, spinal cord, liver, hip, and pelvis. Zoleka was born to her mother, Zindzi Mandela, and father, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane. Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela are the grandparents of Zoleka.
Who Was Zoleka Mandela?
Born into a family deeply ingrained in the battle for freedom and equality, Zoleka’s journey is intertwined with the legacy of her grandfather, Nelson Mandela. Yet with such an extravagant legacy, Zoleka made a name for herself in the world.
Zoleka Mandela was born on 9 April 1980 in South Africa. Her mother’s name was Zindzi Mandela, the youngest daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Zoleka was born to the first husband of Zindzi, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.
She also had 3 more siblings, named Zondwa Mandela, Bambatha Mandela, and Zwelabo Mandela. Additionally, the Nelson family is directly linked with the king called Madiba from the Thembu people.
Zoleka reported that when she was a young child, she experienced sexual abuse. She also added that at a young age, she had a tough time when she couldn’t stop using drugs and drinking alcohol.
In the year 2010, Zoleka lost her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani. She got severely injured in a car accident and eventually lost her life. It was also revealed that Zoleka attempted suicide and healed from it. In 2013, she further wrote her autobiography.
Meanwhile, Zoleka was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Through treatment, it did get better, but in 2016, it returned and further deteriorated her health. At this point in her life, Zoleka invested her time in advocating awareness regarding health while sharing her story.
In 2016, Zoleka was also chosen as BBC’s 100 Women, proving her impact on society. On 25 September 2023, Zoleka passed away due to her fight against cancers in the brain, lungs, spinal cord, liver, hip, and pelvis.
Who Are Zoleka Mandela’s Parents?
Zoleka’s mother, Zindzi or Zindziswa Mandela, was the youngest daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. She was born on December 23, 1960, in Soweto, South Africa. Zindzi was known for her graceful poetry, along with her diplomatic ethics.
Zindzi also served as a stand-in First Lady of South Africa from 1996 to 1998. She also published a collection of poems, “Black As I Am,” in 1978. She was also assigned as her country’s ambassador to Denmark until her death.
However, her career was at its peak, and her personal life was suffering. She got married twice throughout her life. She was married to her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane, with whom she had four children, including Zoleka. Further, she divorced Hlongwane and got married to her second husband, Molapo Motlhajwa, in March 2013.
Just like her daughter, Zindzi was also diagnosed with cancer and died on 13 July 2020 at the age of 59. She died at a hospital in Johannesburg. It was also revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of her death. She was laid to rest beside her mother at Fourways Memorial Park on 17 July 2020.
What do you think about this amazing mother-and-daughter duo? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Source: Mandela Legacy
