Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Heartbroken Nelson Mandela attends great-granddaughter's funeral


June 17, 2010
Share this:

It was a sad day for Nelson Mandela and his family on Thursday as they gathered to attend the funeral of the former South African leader's great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela.

Making a rare public appearance, 91-year-old Mr Mandela was joined by his third wife Graca at the service. His second wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, 73, was also there.

null

It was held in the chapel of St Stithians college, the private Methodist school in Johannesburg which Zenani had attended. One of Mr Mandela's nine grandchildren, 13-year-old Zenani died in a car accident last Friday on the way home from a pre-World Cup concert. 

The driver of the car, family friend Sizwe Mankazane, was unhurt. He faces drink driving charges. Zenani's classmates were among the hundreds of mourners at the service, wearing their school blazers and each carrying a single white rose. 

They sang Amazing Grace as the service began. The youngster had been a member of the school choir and drumming band and had said she wanted to be a plastic surgeon.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Royalty
See more