Last week marked the tenth anniversary of his death and Tukwini, who is one of his 18 grandchildren, could reflect on the special bond she had with one of the world's most cherished political leaders.
Nelson's state funeral on 15 December 2013, ten days after his death at 95, witnessed an outpouring of emotion as almost 4,500 people, including heads of state, foreign dignitaries and royals from around the globe, converged on his childhood village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape province, where he was laid to rest.
TIME FOR THE FAMILY
In our exclusive interview for the anniversary, Tukwini tells HELLO! that Nelson's family and those closest to him had to share their private grief in a very public way.
"This is a private day for my family because when my grandfather passed, we didn't have a moment of rest," she says. "There was such a heavy focus on the family, with interview after interview. And while we appreciated the fact interview. And while we appreciated the fact that the world was in mourning with us, we wanted a little bit of space. So this is like a day to ourselves to mourn him.
"I miss my grandfather for his life lessons and beautiful stories about what it was like growing up in the Eastern Cape and coming to Jo'burg [Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city] for the first time, meeting white people for the first time," she adds.
"And I miss having him around the lunch table, telling us funny stories and engaging with us away from the limelight."
Tukwini, 48, is the eldest child of Dr Makaziwe Mandela, the only living child from Nelson's first marriage, to Evelyn Mase.
Bu hikaye HELLO! UK dergisinin December 18, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye HELLO! UK dergisinin December 18, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
THROWING IT BACK TO THE 1990S 'VOGUE' ERA OF THE SUPERMODEL
KATE MOSS LEADS FAMOUS FACES REFLECTING ON FASHION HEYDAY
FORMER 'MADE IN CHELSEA' STAR FRAN NEWMAN-YOUNG
DAZZLES IN BESPOKE WEDDING GOWN AS SHE TIES THE KNOT IN STYLE IN MAJORCA
LENDING SUPPORT TO CHILDREN'S HOSPICE PRINCESSES BEATRICE AND EUGENIE
BRING LIGHT INTO LITTLE ONES' LIVES AS THEY PLANT A SYMBOL OF HOPE
ON BUOYANT FORM AFTER HIS WIFE'S GOOD NEWS THE PRINCE OF WALES
DISHES OUT THE HUGS ON VISIT FROM THE HEART
WITH AN INCREDIBLE GLIMPSE INTO FAMILY LIFE THE PRINCESS OF WALES
SHARES MESSAGE OF HOPE AS SHE LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AND BALANCING HER ROLE
IN HIGH SPIRITS AT THE BRAEMAR HIGHLAND GAMES THE KING AND QUEEN
ENJOY LAUGHS APLENTY AT A FAVOURITE EVENT BEFORE MONARCH QUIETLY MARKS TWO YEARS ON THE THRONE
AS HOLLY WILLOUGHBY RETURNS NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS
STARS DAZZLE ON NIGHT OF GLAMOUR AND GONGS
CREATING A NEW SISTER ACT ELIZABETH OLSEN
ON CO-STARRING WITH NATASHA LYONNE AND CARRIE COON
MAKING HISTORY AT STARSTUDDED EVENT IN NEW YORK TAYLOR SWIFT
SMASHES IT WITH SEVEN OF THE BEST AT THE V.M.As
KIM KARDASHIAN AND DAKOTA JOHNSONS
FASHION AND COMPASSION AT A-LIST CHARITY EVENT