Zindzi Mandela dead: Daughter of former South African leader Nelson Mandela dies aged 59

Imogen Braddick13 July 2020

Nelson Mandela's daughter, Zindzi, has died at the aged of 59.

The daughter of South African anti-apartheid leaders Nelson and Winnie Mandela died in hospital in Johannesburg early on Monday morning, state television South African Broadcasting Corporation reported

At the time of her death, she was South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark.

The Mandelas’ daughter came to international prominence in 1985, when the white minority Government offered to release Mr Mandela from prison if he denounced violence perpetrated by his movement, the Africa National Congress, against apartheid - the brutal system of racial discrimination enforced in South Africa at that time.

Zindzi meets the Duchess of Cambridge in 2013 at the film performance of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom 
WPA Pool/Getty Images

Zindzi Mandela read his letter rejecting the offer at a packed public meeting which was broadcast around the world.

In 2013, Zindzi attended the UK premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, where she met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also paid tribute to Nelson Mandela at Southbank Centre exhibition celebrating his life and work in 2018.

Actor Idris Elba, Zindzi Mandela and actress Naomie Harris 
Getty Images

Her father, Nelson, is one of Meghan's heroes and was also friend of the Queen.

Nelson even called Her Majesty "Lizzie", according to Zindzi.

Zindzi is survived by her husband and four children.

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