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(Photo by Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Nelson and Winnie Mandela’s granddaughter, Zoleka Mandela, passed away from cancer at the age of 43.
She succumbed to the illness on Sept. 25 after being admitted to the hospital on Sept. 18. According to an Instagram post, the activist was battling aggressive bouts of metastatic cancer in the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.
“Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli,” the post read. “Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th, surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the young matriarch worked tirelessly to advocate for cancer prevention. In a statement, the group highlighted her work against the deadly disease. “The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night,” the Foundation said. “Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all.”
She is survived by four children.
Source: Black Enterprise
