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Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma extended condolences to the Mandela family following the death of former president Nelson Mandela's great-grandchild in a car crash on Friday morning.
"We extend our condolences to the Mandela family following the loss of dear Zenani in the car," a statement from Zuma said.
"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."
Zenani died when the car she was travelling in, driven by a male relative, rolled near the Selby offramp on Johannesburg's M2 highway. A female relative was also in the car but there was no further information about her.
Two days after she became a teenager, Zenani was on her way home from the kick-off concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The tragedy plunged the family into mourning. A family spokesperson said Zenani's mother Zoleka Seakamela was devastated and the Nelson Mandela Foundation announced that Madiba would no longer be attending the opening game.
Investigation ongoing
Mandela's former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had attended the concert separately and had to be rushed to hospital to be treated for shock on hearing the news.
Meanwhile, an official at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court said the driver, who was arrested for alleged drunk driving and culpable homicide, might not appear in court on Friday as expected as there were still some outstanding matters concerning the investigation.
Transport Minister Sbusiso Ndebele sent condolences to Zenani's family and to the families of the three British tourists who died in a bus crash in Nelspruit on Thursday and appealed to road users to obey the rules of the road.
The ANC and the Congress of SA Trade Unions also extended their sympathy to Zenani's family.
Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said: "It is heart-wrenching that something as joyous as attending the 2010 World Cup opening concert could have such disastrous consequences."
"On behalf of my family and the IFP, I would like to extend my sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family."
"We extend our condolences to the Mandela family following the loss of dear Zenani in the car," a statement from Zuma said.
"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."
Zenani died when the car she was travelling in, driven by a male relative, rolled near the Selby offramp on Johannesburg's M2 highway. A female relative was also in the car but there was no further information about her.
Two days after she became a teenager, Zenani was on her way home from the kick-off concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The tragedy plunged the family into mourning. A family spokesperson said Zenani's mother Zoleka Seakamela was devastated and the Nelson Mandela Foundation announced that Madiba would no longer be attending the opening game.
Investigation ongoing
Mandela's former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had attended the concert separately and had to be rushed to hospital to be treated for shock on hearing the news.
Meanwhile, an official at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court said the driver, who was arrested for alleged drunk driving and culpable homicide, might not appear in court on Friday as expected as there were still some outstanding matters concerning the investigation.
Transport Minister Sbusiso Ndebele sent condolences to Zenani's family and to the families of the three British tourists who died in a bus crash in Nelspruit on Thursday and appealed to road users to obey the rules of the road.
The ANC and the Congress of SA Trade Unions also extended their sympathy to Zenani's family.
Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said: "It is heart-wrenching that something as joyous as attending the 2010 World Cup opening concert could have such disastrous consequences."
"On behalf of my family and the IFP, I would like to extend my sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family."
