Several local residents and community leaders shared their feelings on this world icon. Some of their comments are as follows:
“For me, Nelson Mandela is a symbol of visionary leadership, of everything it meant to lead rather than to rule. He was fundamental to the creation of a free and democratic South Africa, a country in which every citizen could take up his or her rightful place. The governance structure that he and others like him put into place liberated us all. Nelson Mandela made me see leadership with new eyes. He made me understand the power of compassion, forgiveness and, above all, true egalitarianism. He gave South Africans a vision of everything they can be. For me, that is his true legacy,” – Lee Cahill, Kensington.
“I see Nelson Mandela as the father-figure of our beloved South Africa. We can hear on the radio right now as they speak fondly of him. He wore the Springbok cap that was handed to him at the Rugby World Cup. He then wore it to many a rally to encourage a bridge that needed to be formed. François Pienaar was photographed shaking Nelson Mandela’s hand and the words ‘It’s a kind of magic’ was the headline in a newspaper 18 years ago. And so his mark shall be left just like that. Reformation had to take place and he was instrumental and influential in doing that. He has a forgiving, encouraging heart, always putting his best foot forward and has made many a strong connection, not just in South Africa, but throughout the world. It is such a pity that the baton cannot be handed on with the same sentiment. I say that because it is going to take a lot longer for all the differences to be dealt with, more than within one man’s lifetime. Nelson Mandela has begun the process, a strong platform, however this still has to be managed carefully as South Africa recreates itself. He is been a legacy in life, as I would imagine he will be much later on,” – Elaine Thorne, Kensington Heritage Trust.
“The Rivonia trial and Mandela’s treason incarceration happened in the year I was born but the first time I was aware of who he was, was when I went to Wits University. There the ‘Free Mandela’ campaign had moved into full swing and his face was on posters everywhere. But I was living through terrorist attacks on our shopping centres and continual bomb drills in matric because of threats on schools, so while I believed in his cause I was not convinced of his martyrdom. I do remember thinking that my whole lifetime was a very long time to be in jail for an ideal, and so the first time I had an opportunity to vote against apartheid I did so – partly because of the ideal for which this man had been prepared to sacrifice his life. But the first time I was really impressed by him as a man of integrity and not just of political expedience was when he was released, and chose to use the gravitas he had accrued by his life’s sacrifice to the benefit of the country rather than of himself or of a single interest group. I came to paint his face and words as so much larger than life when I was trying to find an icon from our own generation whose life stood for an ideal that was bigger than they – or any of us – are. Mandela’s commitment to creating a better world for us all has to be that beacon,” – Sharon Doubell.
“If it were not for statesmen like Madiba, I very much doubt we would have made the peaceful transition from the dark time of apartheid to democracy we have now. Under Madiba’s leadership, we created one of the best constitutions in the world. We need to protect this as it was what he wanted for us. He made a difference in my life and that of my family. My uncle, who was exiled from South Africa during the struggle, was able to return to his home country to be with his family during the last years of his life. Madiba’s legacy of a rainbow nation, of a country free of domination, of selfless service to the greater population of our amazing country is a legacy we all need to continue to fight for,” – Clr Alison van der Molen.
“Nelson Mandela is an important icon to South Africa because of what he stood for and changes he was instrumental in making. He also gave us an important legacy of reconciliation. He gave South Africans hope of a better future for all races. He also opened doors for us in the world. He is an icon of forgiveness and an example of what a leader should be,” – Mike Spadino, chairperson of the Malvern United Community Forum.
“Nelson Mandela means democracy, freedom, equality and equal rights. On April 27, 1994 South Africa held its first democratic elections. He became the first black president of South Africa. Previously black people were not allowed to travel anywhere without their green books, were not allowed to share toilets and were not allowed to move around provinces without reason. After he became the president people got their freedom back. Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. He was a civil rights activist. He is well-known and respected throughout the world. July 18 was declared Mandela Day, an international day to promote peace and to celebrate the South African leader’s legacy. He made a difference in my life and my family’s life. The poor can get a house and child grant. Nelson Mandela made me and my family start caring for the poor and under-privileged children. He is the father of all,” – Constable Mpho Mashakane, Cleveland SAPS communications officer.
“Nelson Mandela is a man of unity. When I was 18, in 1994, I was proud to be a part of the first democratic election. I wrote to my favourite author that year. She wrote back saying ‘finally you can write South Africa with pride’. Nelson Mandela contributed to the sense of pride of those years. Madiba knew how to unite the nation in a way that I do not think anyone else has been able to repeat. He appeased people, calmed fears, saw beyond colour and encouraged people to learn the culture of others. My children have friends of other races. I have friends of other races. Madiba taught us not to fear each other and I think without him we would really have struggled with integration. I often wished that he had come in five years earlier and had more time at a younger age to integrate our country. If we can follow his example of true democracy then maybe we will be okay,” – Gaynor Paynter, public safety representative of the ward 118 committee.
“To me Nelson Mandela epitomises the ideal human being. Unlike most of us, he is tolerant, forgiving and effected change through reconciliation as opposed to using violence. He united us as a rainbow nation, making each of us proud to call ourselves South African. He brought peace to our beautiful country and people and because of his actions, South Africa and its citizens earned the respect of the rest of the world. This in turn resulted in increased economic benefits for all, uplifting the people of South Africa. Because of him, my children grew up in a non-racial society and have respect for all different races and cultures. As an adult, he has taught me tolerance and the fact that dialogue is more effective in resolving issues. He has taught us as a nation that we are all equal and that we can indeed live in harmony if we respect and celebrate our diversity instead of using our differences to cause division. He has taught us to respect and be tolerant of other cultures, religions and races and that therefore we can live in peace if we choose to. Nelson Mandela showed the world that violence is not the way and has and always will have the respect of people world-wide. It is a pity that his example is not emulated by other world leaders. Imagine a world without war and conflict. Imagine a world of peace. Imagine a world where each country has a leader like Nelson Mandela,” – Clr Carlos da Rocha, ward 66.
