Mandela's Tragedy on Eve of World Cup Triumph

June 11, 2010 — -- Instead of going to the opening of the World Cup games today, South Africa's beloved leader Nelson Mandela is going into mourning.

Mandela's moment of triumph turned into tragedy on the eve of the games he helped bring to his country when his great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash leaving a World Cup concert.

Zenani Mandela, who turned 13 on Wednesday, was the only person to die or to be injured in the one-car accident in the township of Soweto. Police declined to release details of the crash.

Mandela, who led the fight against apartheid and is considered the father of the new South Africa, is now a frail 91. But he had been expected to make an appearance at the opening ceremony of the games today.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation issued a statement announcing Zenani's death and said the Mandela family was in mourning and that it would be "inappropriate" for him to attend the ceremony.

"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... Madiba will be there with you in spirit today," the statement said, using the honorary title for a tribal elder that has become Mandela's respectful nickname.

It added, "The family has asked for privacy as they mourn this tragedy."

Before the tragedy, Mandela was enjoying the run-up to the games, meeting this week with the Black Eyed Peas and players from several of the competing teams.

Mandela's use of sports to unite his country was depicted in the recent movie "Invictus" in which he used an international rugby competition to heal racial divisions shortly after apartheid was abolished.

Mandela was instrumental in bringing this month's games to South Africa, making it Africa's first ever World Cup.