Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter passes away aged 43 after 11-year battle with cancer

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter lost her battle with cancer at the age of 43.

Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of late South African leader Nelson Mandela died on Monday night after an 11-year battle with cancer that spread throughout her body, her family said in a statement.

Zolekaf who followed in her grandfather’s footsteps, was an outspoken writer and activist was “surrounded by friends and family” when she died in a hospital late Monday, family spokesperson Zwelabo Mandela said in a statement.

“Recent scans revealed significant disease progression, including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli,” the statement said of the activist first diagnosed with breast

As reported, Mandela a week earlier had been admitted into the hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.

Zoleka was born on April 9, 1980, to father MJ Seakamela and mother Zindzi Mandela — the daughter of Nelson and his second wife, Winnie.

Zoleka was just 10 years old when her grandfather was released from prison in 1990 after 20 years behind bars.