Zindziswa (Zindzi) Mandela passed away in the early of Monday morning at a Johannesburg hospital, reports the SABC.
The cause of her death is not yet known.
The feisty Zindziswa was the youngest daughter of the late Ex-President Nelson Mandela and the late freedom stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Zindzi was only 59 years old when she died and South African Ambassador to Denmark. Speaking to the SABC, Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu said Zindzi’s ambassadorship had elapsed and she was due to be deployed to Liberia.
She is best remembered for reading out her father’s heart-rending rejection speech directed at SA’s then President PW Botha’s offer of conditional release from incarceration to an uproaring gathering in Jabulani Stadium February 10, 1985, in Soweto, South of Johannesburg.
“I can’t find words to express the sorrow I feel for Princess Zenani[,] Zindzi Mandela’s children, grand children and all her loved ones. Gone too soon, She sacrificed so much for the freedoms we take for granted today. Heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family #RIPZindziMandela https://t.co/7BeUaYXe9Q
– a tweet by Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela @ThuliMadonsela3
Zindzi Mandela is survived by four children: Zoleka, Zondwa, Bambatha – who broke the sad news on social media – and Zwelabo Mandela.
“What sad news to wake up to. Gone far too soon. Rest in peace, Zindzi. Sending my deepest condolences to the Mandela family ❤️” #ZindziMandela https://t.co/Zbm18Iu6Pc
– a tweet from former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba @HermanMashaba