Zindzi Mandela, the daughter of South African anti-apartheid leaders Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has died aged 59.
According to state television South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Zindzi died at a Johannesburg hospital early Monday morning. The cause of her death has however not been announced.
Zindzi had been South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark since 2015.
The Mandelas’ daughter came to international prominence in 1985, when the white minority government offered to release Nelson Mandela from prison if he denounced violence perpetrated by his movement, the Africa National Congress, against apartheid, the brutal system of racial discrimination enforced in South Africa at that time.
Zindzi read his letter rejecting the offer at a packed public meeting that was broadcast around the world.
Tributes have been pouring on social media for the late Zindzi who is described as a ‘fearless woman’.
You were fearless in tackling real issues. Your history and your life will not be forgotten. Rest in peace daughter of giants, #ZindziMandela. #RIPZindziMandela pic.twitter.com/ytTVtbnuhE
— Christo 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@ChristoThurston) July 13, 2020
Devastated by the passing of #ZindziMandela. An absolutely fearless woman. May her soul rest in peace 🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/3dGYuSemyr
— Dr. Sithembile Mbete (@sthembete) July 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/BlackCulture_HM/status/1282560761324277761?s=20
She is survived by her husband and four children.
