Tragedy strikes Mandela family
June 12, 2010, Saturday
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NELSON Mandela canceled plans to attend the opening game of the 2010 World Cup near Johannesburg yesterday after his 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Zenani Mandela, who became a teenager only on Wednesday, died in a one-car accident after attending Thursday night's World Cup kickoff concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The foundation later confirmed Mandela would not attend the World Cup opening ceremony and first game in Johannesburg, dashing hopes the frail 91-year-old former president would make a rare appearance.
Mandela and his family were "torn up" by the accident.
"Mr Nelson Mandela this morning learnt of the tragic death in an accident of his great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela," foundation spokesman Sello Hatang said. "It would therefore be inappropriate for him to personally attend the FIFA World Cup opening celebrations.
"We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy."
Johannesburg Metro police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane said the driver of the car, a man, had been arrested and charged with drink-driving. She said the driver, who police would not name, could also face culpable homicide charges.
"Metro police found that he was drunk," Mamonyane said. She said he lost control of the vehicle and hit a barricade.
Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo, who earlier said the driver would appear in court for a preliminary hearing yesterday, said that had been postponed for more investigations.
The foundation denied reports that the former president's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was in the car, but said she was treated in hospital for shock after being told of the fatal accident, and discharged after a few hours.
She later attended the opening ceremony with her two daughters.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote to Mandela to "convey the condolences of the entire football family."
Zenani, who just celebrated her 13th birthday, was one of the anti-apartheid icon's nine great-grandchildren. Mandela has largely retired from public life.
(AP)
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Zenani Mandela, who became a teenager only on Wednesday, died in a one-car accident after attending Thursday night's World Cup kickoff concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The foundation later confirmed Mandela would not attend the World Cup opening ceremony and first game in Johannesburg, dashing hopes the frail 91-year-old former president would make a rare appearance.
Mandela and his family were "torn up" by the accident.
"Mr Nelson Mandela this morning learnt of the tragic death in an accident of his great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela," foundation spokesman Sello Hatang said. "It would therefore be inappropriate for him to personally attend the FIFA World Cup opening celebrations.
"We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy."
Johannesburg Metro police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane said the driver of the car, a man, had been arrested and charged with drink-driving. She said the driver, who police would not name, could also face culpable homicide charges.
"Metro police found that he was drunk," Mamonyane said. She said he lost control of the vehicle and hit a barricade.
Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo, who earlier said the driver would appear in court for a preliminary hearing yesterday, said that had been postponed for more investigations.
The foundation denied reports that the former president's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was in the car, but said she was treated in hospital for shock after being told of the fatal accident, and discharged after a few hours.
She later attended the opening ceremony with her two daughters.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote to Mandela to "convey the condolences of the entire football family."
Zenani, who just celebrated her 13th birthday, was one of the anti-apartheid icon's nine great-grandchildren. Mandela has largely retired from public life.
(AP)
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