Nobel Peace laureate and former South African President Nelson Mandela has decided not to attend the World Cup opening ceremony after the tragic death of his great-granddaughter in a car crash, his office said on Friday.

The 13-year-old Zenani, one of Mandela's nine great grandchildren, died when the car taking her home from a Soweto concert on the eve of the World Cup overturned.

The car's driver has been arrested and charged with drink-driving, according to Johannesburg police.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the tragedy made it inappropriate for the former president, who is 91, to attend the opening ceremony in Johannesburg.

"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," said a statement.