While the 85th birthday celebrations for Nelson Mandela continue on Saturday, the former president’s family will bury his daughter-in-law who died of pneumonia last week.
Zondi Mandela, who was married to Mandela’s only surviving son, Makgatho, will be buried at the Doornkop Cemetery on Saturday, the Saturday Star reported. She was 46 years-old.
Makgatho was the only son of Mandela and his first wife Evelyn Ntoko.
Zondi had been ill for three weeks before her death, her husband said. The couple had three young sons.
The former president celebrated his birthday with cakes, presents and well-wishes from all over the world on Friday but showed no sign of his private grief, the Saturday Star said.
One of Mandela’s grandsons, meanwhile, was discharged from hospital on Friday after being treated for injuries he suffered in a car accident. Gadaffi, 18, is the son Mandela’s daughter Zindzi Mandela-Hlongwane.
On Saturday, Mandela is due to attend the inaugural Nelson Mandela lecture and a black tie birthday dinner in Johannesburg. – Sapa