Mandela Mourns Loss of Granddaughter
Nelson Mandela cancelled plans to attend the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup opening in South Africa and its accompanying ceremonies on Friday, June 11, 2010 when he learned about the tragic death of his granddaughter, Zenani Mandela. The AFP reports that Ms. Mandela died in an auto accident following a pre-ceremony concert in Soweto. Local police officers state the driver of the vehicle was drunk.
As South Africa celebrates the internationally popular 63 soccer matches, the nation also mourns the loss of the youth with the Mandela family. Many credit Mandela’s efforts and lobbying as a contributing factor that led to the World Cup games being played on South African soil. The AFP states, “ ‘It was his dream to unite a nation through sport that has been brought to life again today,’ said a front-page editorial in The Star.”
Mourning the loss of a child is difficult for any parent, but it can also be unbearable for grandparents as well. It is only natural that Mandela takes the time to process and grieve the loss of Zenani. The latest loss is not Mandela’s first; he also survives his sons as one died of AIDS and the other lost his life in an auto collision while Mandela was imprisoned.
[photo: paul-simpson.org]
Tags: fifa, nelson mandela, world cup
June 16th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
South Africa is putting on such a great show, but so many things are happening at once. Their team does poorly and Mandela’s recent loss near the anniversary of the soweto uprising. Was this the day Mandela was released in 1976? Anyway, I was hoping RSA would do better, most people were. If USA goes out I will be pulling for the Ivory Coast.