Zoleka Mandela (born 9 April 1980) was a South African writer and activist. She was Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter. Zoleka went through a lot, and her story is one that will change many lives.
Zoleka Mandela Age
She was born on the 9th of April 1980 in South Africa. Zoleka was 43 years old as of 2023.
Zoleka Mandela Early Life
Zoleka was born to Zwelibanzi Hlongwane and Zindzi Mandela. She was sexually abused as a child and had issues with drug addiction and alcohol.
Zoleka’s parents separated when she was young, and so was raised by her aunt, Zenani Mandela.
Zoleka Mandela Husband
Zoleka was married to Thierry Bashala. They tied the knot in April 2014 and had their first child the same year. In 2020, the couple separated after being married for six years.
She shared the news on her Instagram page, stating that the marriage eroded her self-esteem, independence and mental, as well as emotional state for too long.
Zoleka Mandela Children
She had four children, two boys and two girls, but lost two of them. In 2010, Zoleka Mandela’s 13-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash on the way home from a concert. The accident was said to be due to drugs.
Following her daughter’s death, she started a campaign to create awareness about road use and how to prevent road accidents in the country.
Zoleka Mandela Book
In 2013, she launched her autobiography titled “When Hope Whispers. The book gives a detailed account of her life, talking about her addiction, cancer struggles, relationship woes, and her daughter’s death in a road accident.
Zoleka Mandela Health
Zoleka was treated for breast cancer in 2011, which returned in 2016. She has used her experiences to create awareness about this illness.
Foundation
She established her foundation in 2013. The primary motivations behind the launch of the foundation included her breast cancer journey, her daughter’s death through a road accident, and her life’s journey.
The main focus of the foundation was to uplift other people socially. It seeks to educate others about social responsibilities, road safety, and breast cancer. It also assists young people with issues related to accountability, volunteerism, and personal growth.
Zoleka Mandela Death
Zoleka Mandela, 43, passed away from cancer on September 25, 2023.
