TIMELINE | Inside Zoleka Mandela’s brave fight against cancer

Before her recent cancer diagnosis the late author and activist Zoleka Mandela was cancer-free for 10 years. 

The two-time breast cancer survivor documented her life and journey with cancer in a book titled When Hope Whispers and through social media. 

Zoleka, who was the granddaughter of struggle stalwarts Nelson and Winnie Mandela, was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer in 2012. In 2016 she was again diagnosed with cancer and had chemotherapy treatment which she completed in 2017.

Last year she said her battle with cancer was not over.

Below is a timeline of Zoleka's journey. 

'I'm dying. I don't want to die'

On August 23 2022 Zoleka broke the news that she had cancer in her bones.

“I’ve had a sore back for more than a month now and recently consulted with my GP when I could no longer tolerate the excruciating pain in my left rib. I went for an X-ray of my chest and rib a few days ago. I have a pathological fracture and swelling caused by cancer.”

'I'm hanging on by a thread' 

When she revealed her cancer was back, Zoleka was not in high spirits. She had just welcomed her sixth child into the world. 

“The CT scan has revealed cancer in my liver and lungs. I am yet to receive feedback regarding my bone scan to establish whether I have cancer beyond my ribs. I am hanging on by a thread. Thanking you all for your outpouring of love, prayer and support. Peace. Passion. Positivity.” she wrote.

'I'm battling to come to terms with my diagnosis'

In September 2022 she had her first session to treat the cancer in her lungs, liver, ribs, spinal cord and hips.

Taking to her Instagram, she shared she was struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis after more than 10 years of being cancer-free.

“I wanted to thank you all profusely for all your prayers and well wishes, for your generosity and kind deeds. 

“I’m home and recovering from the side-effects of my first session to treat the cancer in my lungs, liver, ribs, spinal cord and hips. I’m battling to come to terms with my diagnosis. It’s both daunting and terrifying. Prayer for acceptance and peace that passes all understanding. Peace. Passion. Positivity.”

Preparing for death

Speaking to Phemelo Motene on Kaya FM's Point of View earlier this year, the author shared how she was preparing for her death.

“It will probably sound strange but I think I am blessed or fortunate enough to be in a position where I am in my planning stages. I am having conversations with my loved ones, lawyer, therapist and siblings to discuss what happens on the day and after I pass away.

“I’m learning to be OK with my eventuality. I’m learning to live despite an expected death. I’m also just continuously evaluating many facets of my life. I think that’s empowering for me. I’m put in a place where I actually have a say, especially with regard to my children.”

Hospitalised for radiation

When Zoleka was hospitalised she shared her hospital documents and said it was going to take a while. 

“Receiving radiation to my spine and pelvis and awaiting chemotherapy for the progression of the cancer. It’s going to be a long haul, but so appreciative of the efforts made towards the betterment of my health by the medical team/staff. Peace. Passion. Positivity. #TerminallyFree.”

Zoleka thanks people for support

She expressed gratitude to those who had been showing her support.

Taking to her Twitter timeline, she shared the progress she made in her struggle with breast cancer. 

“Good morning, beloved hearts. Thank you all for your kindness, for filling my heart with courage and hope, and for being such caring and helpful blessings. A queenly reminder — show the world you have a million reasons to smile."

*This is where the timeline ends. Zoleka later prohibited anyone to use her information, pictures and posts.