Zoleka Mandela was finally laid to rest at Fourways Memorial Park in Johannesburg on September 29, following an intimate funeral service at Bryanston Methodist Church.The ceremony took place in an intimate setting, with only close friends and family in attendance. Zoleka was buried at the Fourways Memorial Park in Johannesburg, her final resting place.
Zoleka's passing on Monday, September 25, marked the end of her courageous battle against metastatic cancer. Her unwavering strength and resilience throughout her illness inspired many and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
During the funeral service, Nomvula Mokonyane, the first deputy secretary-general of the ANC, paid tribute to Zoleka, highlighting her remarkable lineage and the profound influence of her grandmother, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and her mother, Zindzi Mandela. Mokonyane described Zoleka as a true reflection of her family's warrior spirit, emphasizing her ability to instill hope and courage in others, even during her most challenging health moments. Zoleka's commitment to raising awareness about road accidents, a cause she championed in honor of her own child, served as a source of healing and demonstrated her ambassadorial qualities, even in times of vulnerability.
Thami Dish, the founder of the Feather Awards, shared a deep personal connection with Zoleka, considering her to be a sister by virtue of their shared parentage and family ties. Dish expressed his admiration for Zoleka's resilience and applauded her for documenting her cancer journey, offering it as a source of solace and inspiration for others facing similar battles. He described Zoleka as an overcomer, surpassing every challenge that came her way. Her legacy as a role model extended beyond her activism within the health sphere and the queer community. Dish celebrated her for her capacity to love wholeheartedly and expressed gratitude for the fulfillment she found in fulfilling her purpose on Earth.
