It is with my deepest regret that I bring you this news, however I do feel that it is important to air this information so that as many people can pray or spare a thought for the Mandela family. The former South African president Nelson Mandela is today mouring instead of celebrating (which he should be due to the start of the World Cup) following the death of his 13-year-old great granddaughter Zenani. Zenani was tragically killed in a car accident on the way home from a Worl Cup concert in Soweto Thursday night. For more details read on….

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Zenani Mandela was killed after leaving Thursdays World Cup concert in Soweto headlined by Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas. Johannesburg police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane said the driver of the car involved in the one-car accident, a male, had been arrested and charged with drink-driving. Mamonyane said the driver, who police would not name, could also face culpable homicide charges.

“The Metro police found that he was drunk,” Mamonyane said. “He lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a barricade.”

“The nation shares your loss and mourns with you, especially on the day on which our dreams and hopes come alive in the opening of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil,” President Jacob Zuma said in a message of condolence to Mandela.

Mandela had been expected to make a brief appearance at the World Cup opening ceremony Friday, depending on his health and the weather. But after announcing the death of his great-granddaughter, his foundation said he would not be going to the stadium.

“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,” a spokesperson for the Nelson Mandela foundation said. Mandela “will be there with you in spirit today.”

RIP Zenani.

Words by DJB