A Pillar of the Family: ANC Mourns Nolusapho Mandela, “Revered Matriarch”

The African National Congress (ANC) has paid heartfelt tribute to Nolusapho Mandela, the former daughter-in-law of Nelson Mandela and mother of Chief Mandla Mandela, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 75 after an illness. Describing her as a “revered matriarch,” the party honoured a woman who carried the weight of the Mandela name with “dignity, humility, and compassion.”

In a statement, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said Nolusapho would be deeply missed. “As the mother of Mandla Mandela, she played an important role in nurturing family unity and exemplified values of care, resilience, and service to others,” Bhengu stated. The party extended its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all touched by her life.

A Life of Quiet Strength and Unconditional Love

In a memorial notice shared by her son, the family expressed their profound sadness, remembering her for her “unconditional love, boundless strength, and countless treasured memories.” They requested privacy as they mourn.

Nolusapho’s influence extended beyond the private sphere. She was a steadfast guide to Mandla when he assumed the traditional leadership of Mvezo, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, in 2007. Her commitment to humanitarian causes was also evident; in October 2025, she publicly joined calls for Israeli authorities to release Mandla after he was detained while part of a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

A Legacy of Grace and Service

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is scheduled to attend a memorial service for Nolusapho on Wednesday at the Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Bryanston, where he will convey the party’s condolences.

While often away from the public glare that followed other members of the Mandela family, Nolusapho Mandela’s life was one of quiet, foundational strength. She stood as a pillar during times of both traditional succession and international activism, embodying a legacy of grace, resilience, and unwavering family devotiona legacy the ANC and the nation now pause to honour.

{Source: Citizen}

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