The late Ambassador to Denmark Zindzi Mandela wasn’t paid her salary for months, a move described as meant to punish her.
Zindzi was the youngest daughter of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela, Zindzi spent many years involved in South Africa’s freedom struggle.
Zindzi succumbed to Covid-19 according to her son, she passed away on Monday morning after a short illness and was buried next to her mother Mama Winnie Madikizela- Mandela at a cemetery in Fourways.
In shocking details, it is alleged that the late Zindi Mandela didn’t received her salary for a few months, a move described as to punish her by The Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
It is alleged that Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor sent Zindzi Mnadela a message that she should go to the Liberian embassy during her sick period.
Posting on Twitter, a source close to the family revealed the whole ordeal.
#RIPZindziMandela, Many do not know that in the middle of all the eulogies, you were not paid your salary for months by DIRCO. To punish you, Naledi Pandor sent you a message that you should go to the low-ranking Liberia embassy. Rest in power Mbokodo.
Zindziswa “Zindzi” Mandela was South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark at the time of her death.
Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema paid tribute to Zindzi for her role in the liberation of South Africa from the shackles of apartheid.
“She survived the most brutal regime at an early age and we thought that this crisis and invisible enemy (coronavirus) we are confronted with today, she is going to survive it because she has seen worse. And when people like mama Zindzi succumb to this invisible enemy we all remain hopeless and we are shattered,” Malema said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked the Mandela family for “the very important gesture of sharing the COVID-19 information with the nation”.
“In doing so you are helping to encourage social acceptance for sufferers. This is a virus that affects us all, and there should never be any stigma around people who become infected,” said Ramaphosa.