Close family and friends have turned out in their numbers to pay their last respects to the granddaughter of anti-apartheid icons Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Zoleka succumbed to cancer on Monday at the age of 43.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, Advocate Dali Mpofu, the first Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane as well as Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi are just some of the mourners that are in attendance this morning.

There’s a sombre atmosphere at the Bryanston Methodist Church as close family and friends gather to bid a final goodbye to a celebrated author and cancer activist.

Many have described Zoleka as heroic and brave even when the disease got the better of her.

The service is completely private and the media have not been allowed in. She will be laid to rest at the Fourways Memorial Park.

--ChannelAfrica--