South Africans are paying tribute to cancer warrior Zoleka Mandela who passed away on Monday, 25 September, at the age of 43.

The author and activist – who is the granddaughter of late South African former president, Nelson Mandela, and ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela – revealed in August last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer in her lungs, liver, ribs, spinal cord and hips.

 

 

 

 

She was previously diagnosed with and beat breast cancer twice.In a statement on Tuesday, the Mandela family announced the sad passing of Zoleka.

“On monday, September 18th. Zoleka Mandela was admitted into hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord.

“Recent scans revealed significant disease progression Including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli.

“Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th. surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her,” read the statement.

She leaves behind her four children; three daughters and one son.Netizens, who admire Zoleka’s resilience, are paying tribute.

Not only did she beat breast cancer twice, in her 2013 biography, When Hope Whispers, Zoleka opens up about her drug addiction and being sexually and physically abused as a 4-year-old up until her teens. She also lost her eldest daughter, Zenani, in a car accident in 2010. A year later she lost another child, her infant son, Zenawe, who was born three months prematurely.

ALSO READ: ‘A rich man to take care of me before I die’: Zoleka Mandela

“Zoleka Mandela fought so much. She instilled hope in most of us & taught us not to ever give up even if the end is near. What an inspiration she was. I will definitely remember her resilience and gratitude. May her soul rest in peace. Condolences to the friends and families,” wrote @innomatijane on X (formerly Twitter).

“Zoleka Mandela’s story was so gruesome. She was in constant battle for most of her life. Fighting an addiction, losing her daughter to a drunk driver, fighting cancer, only for the cancer to come back. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” @somuhleomuhle said.

At just 26 years old, Dr Moratwe Masima has already made a significant impact in the field of healthcare, and her journey is far from over, the gorgeous beauty has become one of the remarkable finalists in the Miss World South Africa 2023 competition.

As we embark on this exciting journey to discover the next Miss World South Africa, let’s delve into the life and aspirations of Dr Moratwe Masima who is making waves not just on the runway, but also in the hearts of those she serves.DR MORATWE AND MISS WORLD SOUTH AFRICA

 

Hailing from Gauteng, Moratwe is not your typical beauty pageant contestant. She is a medical doctor with a deep-rooted passion for healthcare and a commitment to improving the lives of her fellow South Africans.

Her belief in the power of transformation through healthcare is evident in her statement, “I am deeply passionate about advancing reproductive healthcare as well as women’s health.”Currently, Moratwe is completing her Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health while dedicating her time to community service at a public hospital. Her dedication to the medical field goes beyond clinical practice.

PHILANTHROPIC WORK
She has founded ‘Your Health, Your Dignity,’ an organization aimed at addressing crucial healthcare issues in underserved communities.

Through her foundation, Moratwe is providing basic education, insights, and resources to socio-economically disadvantaged women, a testament to her commitment to making healthcare accessible to allMoratwe’s passion for mentorship and community outreach doesn’t end there. She has been actively involved with organizations like Dream Girls Academy, where she mentors young girls from underprivileged backgrounds who aspire to become doctors or pursue careers in the health sciences industry.

MAROTHOLI OUTREACH
As an ambassador for Toys4Africa, she is dedicated to the well-being and development of young children, offering support to those in need.

Currently, Moratwe is also collaborating with Marotholi Outreach, an organization that provides healthcare services to communities through mobile clinics. Her involvement with these organizations highlights her determination to be a catalyst for positive change in her community.

When asked about her motivation, Moratwe eloquently states,

Popular character Mlungisi, played by Uzalo star Nkanyiso Mchunu who left Umkhokha: The Curse on Thursday, 21 September is being praised by his on-screen mother Mamzobe.

 

 

 
MAMZOBE BIDS FAREWELL TO MLUNGISI
The fan-favourite Umkhokha: The Curse actress Deli Malinga who plays the villainous role of Mamzobe took to her Instagram account on Monday, 25 September to bid farewell to the actor who played Mlungisi.

Malinga revealed on her post that she loves Mchunu’s acting and told him he’s one of the best in the country and enjoyed their scenes.

“I still remember our conversation when arriving on Umkhokha set for your first scenes with me (kuhlangana imihlathi eyazanayo). Amongst everything we spoke about, I recall you saying. ‘Ma, I know you playing my mom on-screen for the second time. I know it’s gonna be for a short while but asivule umgodi, meaning let’s do our thing unapologetically’”.

“Something that will make them remember us even when we’re gone. Let’s separate water from paraffin. I love your acting baby boy, you’re one of the best in the country.

“I enjoyed our scenes so much and watching them on TV would always be like, ‘we did that, and that too’ 😂.”

Malinga ended her post by saluting Mchunu as he makes acting look easy and he’s a natural. She also thanked him for being a wonderful on-screen and off-screen son and added that she’ll always love him.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Deli Malinga (@dellymalinga9)

‘UMKHOKHA: THE CURSE’: ACTOR EXITS
Mchunu’s character Mkhululi also known as Mlungisi ended his life by jumping off a building after partying with his frenemy Sibusiso and brothers Khulekani and Siphamandla.

Mkhululi is the third Mzobe family member to end his life after Mamzobe’s first-born daughter Xolile and her father, Baba MZobe.

Mamzobe is the cause of the curse in the family as she never lashed Bab’ Mzobe and Xolile’s bodies when they also committed suicide.

Mlungisi also died because he didn’t listen to his father, Mvelase’s warning, who revealed that he should step down and let his brother Sphamandla (Nay Maps) lead the church.

The first season also revealed that Mamzobe will lose all her children as she previously stole her father’s ancestral bag.

DSTV has confirmed that Mchunu, who exited the faith-based telenovela has joined Mzansi Magic’s upcoming telenovela My Brother’s Keeper.

SKIPPING THE BORDERS AFTER ARREST
In 2019, Prophet Bushiri and his wife hogged headlines after they were arrested at their rumoured R1.3 billion South African resort, Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa, in Rustenburg for money laundering, fraud and theft.

 

 

 

After being released alongside his wife on R100 000 bail each in February 2019, the two skipped the borders to settle in their home country of Malawi.

Prophet Bushiri’s fortune
Prophet Bushiri and Uebert Angel. Image from Instagram@uebertangel
ALSO READ: Top five richest pastors in South Africa

Since then, they have not set foot in South Africa after a warrant of arrest was issued against them. Over the years, the government has been engaging with Malawi to bring the man of oath back to South Africa to stand trial.

In the backdrop of their escape, Mzansi has been trying to connect the dots on what happened to his fortune in South Africa. The founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering reportedly had a billion-rand business empire in South Africa.

PROPHET SHEPHERD BUSHIRI’S SEIZED FORTUNE
Prophet Bushiri’s fortune
Prophet Bushiri’s Pretoria Mansion. Image from Instagram/@shepherdbushiri
However, some of his assets were reportedly seized after violating his bail conditions. Let’s dive into Prophet Bushiri’s alleged seized fortune that took a toll on his net worth.

Pretoria mansion – R5.5 million
Rolls-Royce Ghost – R9.92 million
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon – R1.76 million
Aston Martin Volante – R4.49 million
Bentley Flying Spur – R3.71 million
Porsche Panamera – R1.64 million
Ferrari 360 Modena – R1.3 million
Lamborghini Murcielago – R3.5 million
Private Jet
Rumour mill has it that not all of his assets were attached by his arrest. Reports have it that by the time his assets were seized, he had already moved some of his cars to Malawi, including an R4 million Bentley Bentayga limited edition and his R5 million Maserati.

Some of the assets which were not seized include:

Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa – R1.3 billion
Malawi mansion – R11 million
2 Private jets

Despite ultimately losing her battle with cancer, there is no doubt that Zoleka Mandela fought a good fight. The granddaughter of Nelson Mandela died this week after being diagnosed with bone metastasis, which spread to other organs.

But while she was courageous in the face of a terminal illness, it was not the first time Zoleka had to endure difficult life experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZOLEKA MANDELA DIES AFTER THIRD CANCER BATTLE
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, it was revealed that Zoleka Mandela had died after an aggressive battle with cancer. The mother-of-six was 43 years old.

In August 2022, the outspoken activist and author revealed that doctors had discovered cancer in her body – for the third time.

In 2011 and 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Since the terminal diagnosis, Zoleka Mandela documented her battle with cancer, which cancer spread to her liver, lungs, pelvis, spinal cord, and even her brain.

On Monday, 24 September 2023, the brave woman died while surrounded by friends and family.

“Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her”, read the statement.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoleka Zobuhle Mandela (@zolekamandela)

TRAGEDIES THROUGH THE YEARS
It’s no secret Zoleka Mandela was dealt a cruel hand of cards in her lifetime. Here are a few fo the tragedies she had to overcome

Battling cancer – thrice

Zoleka Mandela has had her fair share of hardship along the way. The 42-year-old has battled – and survived – breast cancer twice: In 2011 and 2016. In 2022, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer.

Losing her biggest supporters: her mother and grandmother

Zoleka’s mother Zindzi died in 2020 after a battle with Covid-19. Two years earlier, her grandmother Winnie Mandela died of complications to diabetes.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoleka Zobuhle Mandela (@zolekamandela)

Being abused as a young girl

In her autobiography When Hope Whispers, Zoleka revealed that she had been molested as a young child.

She revealed how it spiralled into her drug and alcohol addiction.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoleka Zobuhle Mandela (@zolekamandela)

Suicide attempts

In addition to substance abuse – and being in and out of rehab – Zoleka Mandela also struggled with self-harming, suicide attempts and severe depression.

Death of children

But there’s another tragedy that seemed too much for anyone to have to endure – the death of Zoleka’s two children.

In 2020, her daughter Zenani died following a fatal car crash. A year later, her newborn son Zenawe died due to complications associated with his premature birth.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoleka Zobuhle Mandela (@zolekamandela)

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Tags:bone metastasisbreast cancerFeaturedImportantNelson MandelaZoleka Mandela
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