Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zoleka Mandela has died of cancer at the age of 43, a family spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.
“Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th, surrounded by friends and family,” the statement, shared on her official Instagram account, said.
She acknowledged having cancer in her liver and lungs last year, which later spread to other organs. She was receiving outpatient care but was only recently admitted to the hospital.
She documented her battle with cancer on her Instagram account on August 23, she wrote: “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 okay when it’s not? I’m dying … I don’t want to die.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation also issued a statement on Tuesday, saying it “extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night.”
“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.
“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,” it said.