Zenani Mandela, the 13-year old great-granddaughter of former South African president (1994-1999) and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela died tonight in a one-car crash.

She was on her way home to Soweto from after attending a World Cup concert in Johannesburg at the Orlando Stadium.  World Cup play begins tomorrow (June 11, 2010), the first time in an African country, and what was to be a celebration of sorts for Nelson Mandela.

Zenani had just celebrated her 13th birthday yesterday on June 9th.  She was one of Nelson’s nine great-grandchildren.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mandela family.

UPDATE: Nelson won’t attend the opening ceremonies of the World Cup due to Zenani’s death.

[image:Danny Clifford/Hottwire.net/WENN]