Nelson Mandela’s 13-year-old great-granddaughter, Zenani, died in a car accident on the eve of the FIFA World Cup in Soweto, South Africa.
According to the local newspaper, the Sowetan, a female relative was with Zenani in the car which was driven by a male relative when the vehicle rolled off the Johannesburg M2 highway after they attended the pre-World Cup concert. Only Zenani’s death was reported from the time of the incident.
Because the concert featured many popular artists like Shakira and K’Naan, there was heavy traffic and congestion in Soweto and surrounding areas following the show.
Former South African President, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, said he will now not attend Friday’s opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2010 because of the tragedy.
“We continue to believe that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba [a polite way to refer to Mandela’s clan name] will be there with you in spirit today,” said Mandela’s spokesperson according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
This is the first time South Africa is hosting the soccer world championship that was established in 1930, and it is a pity that it comes at a time of great mourning for the people of South Africa.
According to the local newspaper, the Sowetan, a female relative was with Zenani in the car which was driven by a male relative when the vehicle rolled off the Johannesburg M2 highway after they attended the pre-World Cup concert. Only Zenani’s death was reported from the time of the incident.
Because the concert featured many popular artists like Shakira and K’Naan, there was heavy traffic and congestion in Soweto and surrounding areas following the show.
Former South African President, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, said he will now not attend Friday’s opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2010 because of the tragedy.
“We continue to believe that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba [a polite way to refer to Mandela’s clan name] will be there with you in spirit today,” said Mandela’s spokesperson according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
This is the first time South Africa is hosting the soccer world championship that was established in 1930, and it is a pity that it comes at a time of great mourning for the people of South Africa.
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