Joburg’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoff Makhubo says Zindziswa Mandela’s awe-inspiring life has left a long-lasting legacy for future generations of South Africans to emulate.
Cllr Makhubo says locals will always recognise Zindziswa, the last-born daughter of the late former statesman, Nelson Mandela, for her contribution to the country’s struggle for freedom.
He says the role the young Mandela played alongside her parents in the liberation struggle won’t be forgotten.
According to her family, Zindziswa tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before she died at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Monday, 13 July. The former Ambassador to Denmark had been assigned to become South Africa’s head of mission in Monrovia, Liberia at the time of her death. She’s been laid to rest alongside her mother at Fourways Memorial Park, north of Johannesburg.
“Today I joined the Mandela family to say farewell to this giant of our liberation struggle and freedom fighter. As a City and as the people of Joburg we salute you; Robala ka kgotso Madhlomo,” Tweets the Mayor.
Cllr Makhubo has described Zindziswa as a fearless and brave fighter for liberation. Zindzi, as she was affectionately known, was born to former President Mandela and the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, anti-apartheid icons who devoted their lives in service of humanity.
“Zindzi’s passing also comes at a time when South Africa and the world celebrates Mandela month, a time to recognise Madiba’s contribution to global peace and freedom,” notes the Mayor.
Cllr Makhubo says Zindzi dedicated her life to the cause of the people and in her adult life also represented South Africa on international stages.
“It is unfortunate that we have to say farewell during a time when we are not allowed to gather in numbers and say our last goodbyes,” says Cllr Makhubo.
In a posted Tweet, President Cyril Ramaphosa says as a fearless political activist, Zindzi was a leader in her own right. “Our sadness is compounded by this loss being visited upon us just days before the world marks the birthday of the great Nelson Mandela,” says Ramaphosa.
