Mandela's last surviving sibling dies

Former President Nelson Mandela’s sister Nokuthamba has passed away, the family said on Sunday.

“It is with great sadness that the Mandelas learned last night of (her) death,” said Mandela’s grandson Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela in a statement.

Born on February 16, 1930, Nokuthamba was Mandela’s last surviving sibling.

Mandela’s grandson said she would be sorely missed by the entire family.

Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela arrived at his Houghton home, north of Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon, SABC news reported.

The roads around his house, which had earlier been closed off to traffic, have now been opened, the broadcaster said.

Mandela was taken in a road convoy from his rural home at Qunu to Mthatha airport in the Eastern Cape. He was then flown to Gauteng.

The Presidency emphasised that Mandela was in good condition and that the move was due to maintenance work being done at his home in Qunu.

Spokesperson Mac Maharaj appealed for his privacy and that of his family to be respected.

Mandela moved to Qunu a few days before his 93rd birthday in July last year.

It’s not clear how long Mandela will stay in Johannesburg.—Sapa