Former South African president Nelson Mandela will not attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup today after his great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash.
The car flipped over on a motorway in central Johannesburg just after midnight. No-one else was injured, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said.
Mr Mandela's former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was treated in hospital for shock after being informed of the tragedy.
A family relative who was driving the car has been arrested and may be charged with homicide.
Police say he was drunk at the time of the crash.
A spokesman said: "We have arrested the driver and we are investigating charges of culpable homicide."
Zenani (front left) with Mr Mandela and other
members of the family
Following her death it has been confirmed Mr Mandela will miss the opening ceremony of the World Cup later today.
Sello Hating from the Mandela Foundation said: "We are all still dealing with the shock of the passing of the child, we need to afford Madiba (Nelson Mandela's tribal name) and his family the time to mourn."
He added Mr Mandela "would be there in spirit".
Nearly 95,000 fans will pack into the Soccer City stadium to watch the opening ceremony along with 20 African heads of state.
Other VIPs will include United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon and US Vice President Joe Biden.