Zoleka Mandela Bio, Wiki
Zoleka Mandela, a prominent South African figure, was not only an accomplished writer but also a dedicated activist. Notably, she was the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela.
In her writings, she fearlessly explored her personal struggles, including addiction, the tragic loss of her daughter, and her courageous battle against breast cancer.
Zoleka Mandela Illness and death
In 2011, Mandela underwent treatment for breast cancer, and unfortunately, the disease resurfaced in 2016. During her battle with cancer, she actively shared her journey on social media, offering glimpses of her experience, including the removal of the tumor and the challenging side effects of her chemotherapy treatment.
Tragically, on September 25, 2023, at the age of 43, Zoleka Mandela passed away after her courageous fight against cancer.
Zoleka Mandela Age
Mandela was born on 9 April 1980 but died on 25 September 2023 due to breast cancer.
Zoleka Mandela Height
Mandela stood at a height of 5 feet 5 inches tall
Zoleka Mandela Family
Mandela, born to Zindzi Mandela and her first husband, Zwelibanzi Hlongwane, was a prominent figure in her family’s lineage. Her maternal side, the Mandelas, traced their ancestry directly to King Madiba of the Thembu people and held the prestigious position of chieftains in their ancestral chiefdom of Mvezo. Zindzi Mandela, her mother, was a distinguished South African diplomat and poet, with a lineage deeply rooted in the struggle against apartheid. Zindzi was the daughter of iconic anti-apartheid activists and politicians, Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Mandela was raised alongside her siblings, Zondwa Mandela, Zwelabo Mandela-Hlongwane, Bambatha Mandela
Zoleka Mandela Husband
Mandela and Thierry Bashala shared a significant chapter in Zoleka’s personal life as a married couple. Together, they faced life’s diverse challenges and celebrated its triumphs. However, it appears that their love story reached its conclusion in 2020, suggesting that at the time of her passing, Zoleka was no longer married.
Thierry Bashala, a Congolese business executive residing in South Africa, has a charming story of how he and Zoleka initially crossed paths. The tale begins in 2012 when Zoleka and Thierry first encountered each other at a clothing store while both were shopping.
Over the course of two years, their connection deepened, culminating in a beautiful chapter of their lives. In 2014, they made the decision to elevate their relationship to the next level and exchanged wedding vows. Throughout their marriage, they joyfully welcomed two children into their lives.
Zoleka Mandela Career
Mandela was a writer and activist. In 2013 she published her book When Hope Whispers.
In 2016, she earned recognition as one of the BBC’s “100 Women.” She expressed her profound regret, acknowledging that she believed her most meaningful accomplishments occurred only after her grandfather’s passing, rather than during his lifetime.