UPDATE: Tributes pour in for political and social activist Zindzi Mandela

The death of Zindziswa 'Zindzi' Mandela- daughter of anti-apartheid icons Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela - at the age of 59 trended the whole day on Monday.

The late Zindzi was born 23 December 1960 and had been married twice with four children. She died at a Johannesburg hospital after a short unnamed illness. Zindzi was posted to Denmark in 2014 as South Africa's ambassador before her brief illness that saw her return home in recent months.

The late Zindzi - a political and social activist in her own right, was raised by her mother after Nelson Mandela was arrested during her infancy and jailed for 27 years on treason charges for his role in fighting the racist apartheid regime.

Zindzi's father who died in 2013, went on to become South Africa's first black president after the first democratic elections in 1994. Zindzi briefly was regarded as the country's first lady as her parents were going through a divorce.

Zindzi’s education was frequently disrupted by her late mother’s political activism that regularly led to troubles with the then apartheid government.

Winnie Madikizela Mandela's in and out of jail episode due to harassment by the apartheid regime nearly denied Zindzi proper schooling until she was sent to stay with friend's in Swaziland.

Winnie Mdikizela Mandela and Zindzi Mandela, Image: Instagram She later went to study at the University of Cape Town, earning a bachelor of law degree in 1985. Tributes continued to pour in for the late Zindzi while the #ZindziMandela trended on social media.

ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe, said the ruling party was saddened by the sudden passing of Zindzi.

“Many would remember her for the infamous letter that came from President Mandela at the time giving directives to the people of this country especially members of the ANC on what kind of tasks they had to discharge,” Mabe said.

The letter which was delivered by Zindzi during a public meeting in 1985 was a reply from his father rejecting an offer for conditional release from prison by then apartheid president PW Botha.

Zindzi Mandela, Image: Instagram Mabe said the party was still awaiting fuller details of her death from the Mandela family.

“Of course, we are working with them to make sure that we will be able to give the SA public the necessary update,” he said.

Monday also marked the death of Mandela’s eldest son Thembekile, who died after he was involved in a car accident in 1969.

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/NelsonMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NelsonMandela’s eldest son Madiba Thembekile (Thembi) dies in a car accident pic.twitter.com/yEmkt2JzKg

— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela)

International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has also paid tribute to the late Zindzi Mandela, describing her as a Struggle heroine in her own right.

“Zindzi will not only be remembered as a daughter of our struggle heroes, Tata Nelson and Mama Winnie Mandela but as a struggle heroine in her own right. She served South Africa well,” she said.

Meanwhile, South Africans, including politicians, have paid tribute to Zindzi on social media, describing her as an activist and a leader.

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela #RIP pic.twitter.com/Ddaa6KDqW2

— Sentletse (@Sentletse)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela. Woman of valor and truth. I love how fearless you were. Thank you for all you sacrificed for this country of ours. That we can be who we are today.

— Cathy Mohlahlana (@CathyMohlahlana)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela. pic.twitter.com/uESqONFr2G

— Kathrada Foundation (@KathradaFound)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela. Thank you for everything. 💔 pic.twitter.com/6CuCrv7RrH

— Lynn Layman (@lynnlayman)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinnieMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinnieMandela #ZindziMandela pic.twitter.com/QoSWXHnfOC

— Nandi Madida (@Nandi_Madida)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela. uSis’ Zindzi was always loving and kind towards me and my entire family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the children (oontanga bam), the grandchildren, and all those who loved and admired her dearly. Lala ngoxolo Madlomo! pic.twitter.com/n5rji8wZuC

— Loyiso Bala (@loyisomusic)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandelaI am said I couldn't meet up with you. Having to have to have you telling me face to face the words we exchanged over social media was going to strengthen me for a lifetime for battles ahead. You remain my favorite, you remain an inspiration fairwell Mama Zindzi 🤦🏾‍♂‍ pic.twitter.com/mFC89S7glX

— Bonginkosi Khanyile (@Khanyile_BG)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela pic.twitter.com/Zbm18Iu6Pc

— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba)

%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZindziMandela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZindziMandela #RIPZindziMandela

A Mandela princess born from a king and queen.

So beautiful and courageous, as you reunite with your parents, may your soul rest in perfect peace 🕯🙏🏽😔 pic.twitter.com/SQEUqyBUQT

— 👑 Queen Of Hearts 👑 (@NomaswaziMary)