Pretoria - Former President Nelson Mandela's great- grandchild was killed in an accident in the early hours of this morning.
In a statement, issued by the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Friday morning, the granddaughter of the former President's daughter Zinzi Mandela, Zenani, 13, died in a car crash.
"Zenani Mandela was travelling in a car returning from the World Cup Kick-Off Concert at Orlando Stadium when the accident occurred. There was only one car involved and no one else was injured," said communication head at the foundation Sello Hatang.
Zenani, who celebrated her 13th birthday on Wednesday, was one of the former President's nine great-grandchildren.
Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma today, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, offered his deepest condolences to Madiba and the entire Mandela family, following the death of Zenani.
"We extend our condolences to the Mandela family following the loss of dear Zenani in the car.
"The nation shares your loss and mourns with you, especially on the day on which our dreams and hopes come alive in the opening of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil," said President Zuma.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged motorists to be vigilant on the country's roads, adding that government is doing all it can to ensure safety on the roads.
"We convey condolences to the families of all those killed in these road crashes and wish those injured a speedy recovery," said the minister.
Apart from the death of Mandela's great-grandchild, three British tourists as well as that of a two-year- old in the North West died in car crashes.
"We appeal to road users to obey all road rules or face the consequences of their actions.
"Road Traffic Authorities around the country will play a key role in ensuring that road users arrive at their various destinations safely," the minister said.
