Nelson Mandela’s Great-Granddaughter Dies

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JOHANNESBURG (GaeaTimes.com)- Just as South Africa was basking in the glory of organizing the first football World Cup, the country was gripped in grief after the 13 year old great-granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, Zenani Mandela lost her life in a car crash early Friday. The young girl died while she was returning from a World Cup concert in Soweto when the accident took place. Although intrinsic details about the circumstances that led to the car crash has not been available till now, police authorities have stated that the accident was caused by a drunk driver who supposedly faces charges of culpable homicide. Amidst the World Cup festivities and celebrations that the nation has been witnessing for some time now has been marred to a large extent owing to tragic death of the young girl.

As Nelson Mandela and his family attempts to grapple with the unfortunate demise of Zenani Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader pulled out from the World Cup opening ceremony which was held on Friday. In a statement that was subsequently issued by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, it was revealed that it would not have been appropriate for the 91 year old leader to cancel hisappearancein the opening ceremony in the wake of the tragedy engulfing his family.

Despite the fact that Nelson Mandela could not attend the opening ceremony, he managed to sent a message to large number of fans who had gathered at the Soccer City stadium which asked them to enjoy the game to the fullest. As the news of the untimely death of Nelson Mandela’s great-granddaughter spread, condolences poured in from various quarters for the bereaved family.