UICC pays tribute to former president Nelson Mandela

On behalf of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors and Staff, we express our heartfelt condolences to the nation of South Africa, who are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

We were fortunate to have held the recent World Cancer Leaders’ Summit at the Cape Town City Hall where Mandela made his inspirational freedom speech in 1990. His legacy was very much felt throughout, particularly with us having had the privilege of his granddaughter’s involvement in the event and her support in the global fight against cancer. 

Zoleka Mandela emotively spoke of using her battle with the disease to help and inspire others and remarked “One of the things I learned from my grandparents is that everyone has the power to make a difference in other people's lives, no matter how difficult their own circumstances, and that's what I'm trying to do."

The global cancer community mourns the passing of one of the world’s greatest leaders and human beings.