Nelson Mandela canceled plans to attend the opening game of the 2010 World Cup Friday after his 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash. The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Zenani Mandela died in a one-car accident after attending Thursday evening's World Cup kickoff concert at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg. The foundation later confirmed Mandela would not attend the World Cup opening ceremony and first game in Johannesburg, dashing hopes the frail 91-year-old former president would make a rare appearance. “We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr. Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy,” a Mandela foundation said. Johannesburg Metro police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane said the driver of the car had been arrested and charged with drink-driving. The Mandela foundation denied reports that the former president's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was in the car, but said she was treated in hospital for shock after being told of the fatal accident, and she was discharged after a few hours. FIFA president Sepp Blatter wrote to Mandela to “convey the condolences of the entire football family.” President Jacob Zuma, US Vice President Joe Biden and South Africa's governing African National Congress party also offered condolences. Mandela who turns 92 on July 18, has largely retired from public life.
