A big tree has fallen

On February 11, 1990 the world rejoiced as Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela (soon to be SA president) came out of prison after spending 27 years.

Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962 because he was fighting against the apartheid government that ruled this country.

In April 27, 1994 South Africans did not mind to stand on long queues waiting for their chance to make a mark that will grant

Mandela to be their president so that they will enjoy the fruits of democracy.

When president Mandela left the presidency office, two of the presidents have taken over from where he left.

Last night (December 5) the news for the father of the nation’s death shocked the entire world. Some of people of Kwatsaduza and around the globe could not believe the news.

One of KwaThema residents Micheal Zulu who have lived in the township for more than 50 years said the country will never be the same without Mandela.

He continued to say that when Mandela was officially announced as the new president of South Africa the entire community rejoiced and danced all night long and that he will never forget good things that the legend has done not only for South Africans but for Africa.

“Today, I am a father of a teacher. All thanks to Mandela as my child studied at university through a bursary, an opportunity that was not available during the time of our studying,” he excitedly said.

Mandela sacrificed many years in prison to ensure that the black child gets the best education, parents get decent jobs and that everyone living in this country gets equal and fair treatment at all times.

Mandela might be no more, but his role in the fight against apartheid, his love for all and creating peace between black and white South Africans, will forever exist on the minds of young and old.

I believe that elders and teachers will continue to pass and feed the information to more generations to come.

Mandela did not only fight for the freedom of this country but the love that he showed to the children will forever be on the minds of many.

Madiba’s death comes after just one of his biggest wishes, which is about to be fulfilled – to have a Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Hospital.

Madiba has played his role and now it is time for the nation to show love to the late icon by ensuring that his dream is fulfilled.

Parents need to play their role and educate children about this country’s history telling them about the role that Madiba played to make this country the best place to live.

Today people have the right to choose the president and children have the right to education, all thanks to the late freedom fighter.

The 27 years of hard labour that Mandela spent in prison was the sentence that not everyone was going to take, but because of his love for his nation Madiba was prepared to die.

Soon the world will be glued to their TV screens watching the icon’s funeral service and pay their last respect to the father of the nation.
Madiba, Hem Hem, Ngqolomsila, you really were the father of the nation.