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Africa: Subsaharan
Nelson Mandela's son dies
2005-01-06
Former president Nelson Mandela's only surviving son, Makgatho Mandela (54), has died, radio news reports said on Thursday. Makgatho had been in a critical condition in the Linksfield hospital in Johannesburg since late November, and Mandela had been spending time at his son's bedside. Last month, spokesperson Maretha Slabbert could not say what illness Makgatho was suffering from, and referred all queries to the former president's daughter, Makaziwe Mandela. Makaziwe then said it was "a private family matter".
Yep. Another AIDS case...
Diners Club South Africa, where Makgatho had held the position of company secretary, in mid-December said his hospitalisation was unexpected. "This comes as a major surprise to us. He made a diligent contribution to Diners Club," said managing director Terry Timson.
The same kind of contribution Kojo made to Cotecna, I'd guess...
Makgatho had tendered his resignation as company secretary in order to continue with other responsibilities within the Standard Bank group, Timson said. He had been part of Standard Bank's legal team, and had worked as a consultant for the group. Makgatho was Mandela's eldest child and only surviving son from his first marriage to Evelyn Ntoko Mase, a former nurse, in the 1940s. Last year, Makgatho's wife, Zondi, died -- reportedly of pneumonia. He leaves behind three sons, Ndaba (21), Mbuso (13) and Andile (11).
Gave her AIDS, too, huh?
The 86-year-old Mandela's only other son, Thembekile, died in a car accident while his father was in prison. The twice-divorced former president also has three daughters.

The Democratic Alliance has extended its condolences to Mandela and his family. "We have learned with great sadness of the death this morning of Makgatho Mandela, only surviving son of former president Nelson Mandela," DA leader Tony Leon said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The South African Communist Party also sent its condolences and sympathy to Mandela and his family. "His passing is a pain we also feel. We share the family's grief and sorrow. We extend our hand of support during this hard time," the SACP said in a statement.
Posted by:tipper

#5  I'd prefer that Winnie went first
Posted by: Frank G   2005-01-06 2:16:19 PM  

#4  There are things about Mandela I don't like, but it's incredibly hard to bury your children. He has my deep sympathy on that.
Posted by: rkb   2005-01-06 2:09:45 PM  

#3  Well, at least I gotta give Nelson Mandela credit if he's telling why his son died. I can't imagine Zimbabwe Bob doing the same.
Posted by: Desert Blondie   2005-01-06 12:44:11 PM  

#2  You nailed it, Fred: South Africa's Nelson Mandela, one of Africa's most committed campaigners in the battle against AIDS, announced that his only surviving son had succumbed to the disease on Thursday. Makgatho Mandela, 54, died in a Johannesburg clinic where he had been receiving treatment for more than a month. His wife Zondi died in 2003 from pneumonia. "I announce that my son has died of AIDS," the 86-year-old Nobel Peace laureate told a news conference, urging a redoubled fight against the disease. "Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it appear like a normal illness like TB, like cancer, is always to come out and to say somebody has died because of HIV/AIDS. And people will stop regarding it as something extraordinary," said a frail-looking Mandela, surrounded by his grandchildren and other family members.
Posted by: Steve   2005-01-06 11:25:19 AM  

#1  At least he didn't die with a bunch of flaming tires around his neck...
Posted by: tu3031   2005-01-06 10:05:14 AM  

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