She was hopeful about her recovery. Her recent CT scan showed that she had blood clots as well as fibrosis in her lung. Author, Activist and mom of six, Zoleka Mandela, the grandchild of the first black South African president, Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela, has passed on after a long battle with cancer.

REST IN PEACE

Zoleka's family announced her passing in a statement on Winnie Madikizela's birthday, saying that Zoleka passed away 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 Mandela says in the statement. "Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several embroil. Our sincere gratitude to the medical team that took care of her," Zwelabo said in the statement. The family says she passed away on Monday 25 September.

HOPEFUL

Zoleka fought a brave fight since she was diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago. She has been in and out of the hospital for several surgeries and has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy. In her most recent health update, the young mom said she had a CT scan a few weeks ago. "I had a CT scan administered a few weeks back, which has shown that I have blood clots as well as fibrosis in my lung," she shared. "This explains the chest pains I had been feeling. My medical oncologist has recommended blood thinners and oral chemo." Zoleka was grateful that she could be treated. "On the upside, I'm incredibly grateful that I am still treatable!" 

HOSPITALISED

Not long before, she was hospitalised for eight nights and had to inject Neupogen to help her body make more white blood cells, which are crucial to help fight off infections, as chemotherapy and radiation, typically reduce the cell count. "Possible side effects: Bone pain, fever, diarrhea, and weakness," she documented. "Day two, since my first chemo, the other day, was hectic! Feeling so much better this evening. Pain-free, and active, and I was able to make my own dinner, and incorporate all the daily exercises and stretches the physio and OT Departments taught me to do!" When she was discharged, she asked for continued prayers for her loved ones.

PLANNING HER LAST DAYS 

Zoleka had been preparing her family and mostly children for her passing one day. In an interview with Phemelo Motene on the Point of View, a show on Kaya FM, Zoleka revealed that she is preparing for her death. She has met with her family, a lawyer and a therapist to discuss what life will be like for her children after she dies. "It will probably sound strange but, I am in my panic stages. I think I am blessed and fortunate enough to be in a position where I am in my planning stages. I am having conversations with my loved ones, lawyer, therapist, and siblings to discuss what happens on the day and after I pass away," Zoleka said, adding, "I have reinforcements that I know that tomorrow is another day. I have learned to really just be okay with my eventuality. I'm living to be okay with living despite an expected death. I am always evaluating various facets of my life, my relationships, priorities, and goals. I am putting in a place to actually have a say, especially with my kids as a single parent." Zoleka also did not want to bother her siblings when she died. Zoleka leaves behind her family and siblings: Zondwa, Lindo, Bambatha, and Zwelabo. Those who have been there for her every step of the way: Thatohatsi, Jenine, Sanele, Jabulani, and Sisipho, as well as her assistant mom, Aus Lerato and her children; Zwelami, Zanyiwe, Zenzile, and Zingce.

Messages of condolences have been pouring in. Nandi Madida says, "Rest In Peace beautiful queen. Thank you for showing us what it really means to live life to the fullest. I am shattered for your kids, but I know you left them with many fond positive memories and that they will forever know how much you loved them." Somizi Mhlongo adds, "What a great reunion it's gonna be on the other side. With mama Gogo, mkhulu and daughter. It's hits hard here on earth but it's a different feeling on the other side," he says. "RIP Queen. You fought a good fight but you were also really strength personified. Go well!" says K Naomi. "My heart is in pieces to hear about the loss of Zoleka. Her courageous battle against cancer and her love for life was such an inspiring journey. A strength most of us lack when faced with challenges. She brought hope to countless lives. May her legacy of strength and resilience continue to inspire us and uplift us in the fights we will face in our lives. O fodile kgoshigadi. Robala," Lethabo Mathatho says.