The Black Business Council (BBC) joins South Africans and millions around the world in mourning the untimely passing of ambassador Zindziswa Mandela-Hlongwane. Mandela-Hlongwane, the daughter of former President Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, was serving as South Africa's ambassador to Denmark.

The 59-year-old was a political activist in her own right and was among those who fought the oppressive apartheid regime.

"She fought since the early days of her life as she campaigned for Nelson Mandela to be released. She grew up in the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle as her mother fought both the state and economic hardship as a single mother while her father was incarcerated." said Sandile Zungu, President of the Black Business Council.

Our condolences to the family, her sisters, children, and grandchildren.

"She will best be remembered for her defiance, which she retained throughout her life. May her soul rest in eternal power" concluded Zungu.

ENDS

About the Black Business Council

The Black Business Council (BBC) is the over-arching confederation that represents black professional, business associations and chambers. The primary purpose of the BBC is to lobby government on policy related matters and to play an advocacy role where policies are in place in order to accelerate the participation of black business in the mainstream economy.