Ministers, celebrities and extended family members gathered to lend a shoulder to cry on to the Mandela family at their home in Maseli Street in Orlando West, Soweto after the passing of Zoleka Mandela. The author, activist, and mom died on 25 September after a long battle with metastatic cancer which spread to her hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord She fought for 11 years up until her last days. 

A BROTHERS TRIBUTE

Zoleka's children took front seat near former tourism minister, Lindiwe Sisulu as church hymns ushered in mourners. Zoleka, Zondwa, Bambatha, and Zwelabo are the children of Zindzi and Zwelibanzi Hlongwane. Zoleka's brother Zwelabo said his sister had a fighting spirit. "In loving memory of my dear sister Zoleka, whose journey through life was a testament to strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Zoleka faced adversity head-on throughout her life." He said that from a young age, she displayed an exceptional ability to rise above challenges, setting the stage for her remarkable journey. "What made her truly extraordinary was realising that facing health issues could become a norm in her life. Despite her initial shock at her diagnosis, she embraced this reality with unwavering courage and determination," Zwelabo said adding that she inspired others and became a beacon of hope for people to prioritise their health. "Zoleka was not just an activist but a relatable figure, touching the lives of many." He said she faced her second cancer scare with tenacity. "She continued to fight with every ounce of her being inspiring those around her," he said.  

LINDIWE SISULU'S TRIBUTE

Reading a page from Zoleka's memoir When Hope Whispers, Sisulu said she is also living with cancer and understands the importance of her taking the podium. She went on to say that Zoleka endured enough to fill several life times. "Zoleka Mandela was not a victim, she did not want to be identified as a victim. She was a survivor. She is a living example of success despite overwhelming challenges," Lindiwe said. "Traditionally speaking Zoleka is my niece, and I was asked to come forward today by her cousins," she added. "I understand why they asked me; I live with cancer myself and perhaps they thought I would be able to carry the message. Zoleka was a survivor and her story serves as a testimony of a human spirit fighting against life's challenges."

HER LAST DAYS

Zoleka was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years old and went on to have a double mastectomy. As if that was not enough, she lost her daughter Zenani, named after her aunt, in a car crash in 2010 during the Fifa World Cup. In 2011, she lost her newborn son Zenawe who was born prematurely. In 2012, she married Thierry Bashala and they had two children; Zanyiwe and Zenzile but later divorced in 2020. In 2020 Zoleka fell in love with painter Andile Cana and had her last-born daughter Zingce in 2023. Zoleka's private burial will be held today at the Fourways Memorial Park, next to her two late children, her mother, and grandmother Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Zoleka's family announced her passing in a statement on Winnie Madikizela's birthday, saying that Zoleka passed away on Monday 25 September surrounded by family and close friends on Monday evening. "On Monday, September 18th, Zoleka Mandela was admitted into the hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord," family spokesperson, Zwelabo said in the statement. "Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli. Our sincere gratitude to the medical team that took care of her," he added in the statement.