NONI MOKATI

JOHANNESBURG - The driver of a car responsible for the death of Zenani Mandela, 13, was the son of the “partner” of one of Madiba’s daughters.

In a statement on behalf of the Mandela family the Nelson Mandela Foundation said the Silver Mercedes-Benz which hit a barrier at the M1 South Crown Mines interchange in the early hours of June 11 was driven by Sizwe Mankazana, 23.

Mankazana is said to be the son of Zwelakhe Mankazana – a partner to Nelson Mandela’s eldest daughter Zenani Mandela-Dlamini.

Foundation spokesman Sello Hatang said Sizwe was distraught over “little Zeni’s” death.

“Sizwe is regarded as part of the Mandela family and spent a lot of time with Zenani junior,” he said, adding the Mankazana’s were fully co-operating with the authorities.

The statement is also contrary to weekend reports which claimed the driver was Zenani’s father.

According to Hatang, the only passengers in the car were Zenani and one of Sizwe’s family members.

Meanwhile, Sizwe, who was believed to be twice over the legal alcohol limit on their way back home from the 2010 Fifa World Cup Concert conveyed his condolences saying: “I deeply regret the loss of our little Zeni.

“I ask that your thoughts and prayers be with her family and friends during this very difficult time.”

His case of drunken driving and culpable homicide has been struck off the court roll for further investigation.

In the meantime, the sudden death of the St Stithians Grade 6 pupil, who celebrated her 13th birthday two days before her death, has since sent shock waves throughout the country with messages of support and condolences flooding in on her Facebook page and other groups created in her memory.

St Stithians pupil Lauren Thompson wrote: “Such an awsum fwend..... school gna be VERY different without you:

“I WANT U HERE!!!.

“I miss u. We were so close and now its gone (sic). See u on the other side, while Sheri “Gagz” Arewa message read: “Goodbye my angel. you were the best...It will be so different without you, especially in the marimba band.

Zenani’s mother Zoleka Seakamela – the daughter of Zindzi Mandela – is still coming to terms with her daughter’s death including Zenani’s great grandfather Nelson Mandela who missed the opening ceremony of the World Cup at Soccer City stadium.

This comes as another blow for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who was rushed to hospital to be treated for shock.

In December 2008, she and the family including Mandela’s current wife Graca Michel bade farewell to her granddaughter Kefuoe Seakamela, 7, who drowned in a swimming pool at her school.

nonim@citizen.co.za