Author Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, has died.
Zoleka Mandela was admitted to the hospital on September 18 for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer in the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.
Zoleka Mandela (born April 9, 1980; died September 25, 2023) was a South African writer, activist, and Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter. She had written about her addictions, her daughter’s death, and her own battles with breast cancer.
The family confirmed the news of her passing in a statement on her Instagram timeline.
“Recent scans revealed significant disease progression, including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli.
“Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her,” read the statement.
The author, who documented her 10-year breast cancer journey in an autobiography, When Hope Whispers, and is known as a cancer survivor, took to Instagram to announce the doctors’ reports after her oncologist performed a CAT scan.
“The CAT scan revealed that I have cancer in both my liver and lungs.” I have yet to hear results from my bone scan, which will determine whether I have cancer beyond my ribs. I’m clinging to life by a thread. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support. “Peace, passion, and optimism,” she wrote at the time.
Zoleka soared up trend charts in early August after learning that her struggle with the illness was far from over.
“From what she’s told me, cancer in the bones cannot be cured or eradicated.” “I have bone metastasis,” she explained.
“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.” -via Times Live (source)
