Nelson Mandela’s Granddaughter, Zoleka Dies Of Cancer At 43

The New Diplomat
Writer

Ad

U.S. Oil Majors Slash Jobs Despite Trump’s Fossil Fuel Push

ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and other oil majors have announced mass layoffs despite expanding production capacity through multibillion-dollar acquisitions. Falling oil prices and cautious investor sentiment are forcing companies to cut capital spending and reduce workforces, even as Trump pushes pro-oil policies. OPEC+ production hikes and U.S. rig declines point to continued pressure on American producers, who…

Tinubu Concludes Vacation, Set to Return to Nigeria

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Tinubu has announced that he has concluded his 10-day working vacation. This is as the President is set to return to Nigeria, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, marking the end of his working vacatio in 2025. Recall that The New Diplomat had reported that Tinubu jetted out of Nigeria to…

2025 World Championships: Details as Amusan Clinches Silver in 100m Hurdles

By Abiola Olawale Nigeria’s sprinter and world record holder, Tobi Amusan, has secured a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the ongoing world championships in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday. The New Diplomat reports that Amusan clocked 12.29sec behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji who clocked a national record of 12.24sec to win a shock gold.…

Ad

By Ken Afor

Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of late South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela has died.

She died at age 43, after a long battle with cancer.

According to Zwelabo Mandela, a family spokesperson, Zoleka, died in the hospital while receiving her routine treatment.

“Zoleka passed away… surrounded by friends and family,” the spokesperson said.

Zoleka, a South African writer and activist was the child of Mandela’s youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela, and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane.

Her battle with the disease revealed that her organs, including her lung, liver and brain and also her hip, pelvis and spinal cord were affected, according to recent scans.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation reacting to Zoleka’s death commended her efforts in raising awareness about cancer.

“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba.

“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,” the foundation wrote on social media.

It would be recalled in 2011, Zoleka was treated for breast cancer but five years later the disease returned.

Zoleka, a mother of six who lost her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani to a fatal car accident in 2010 wrote about her struggle with alcohol and drugs.

Her selfless service to humanity while she was active earned her a recognition award as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2016.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp