Madiba’s memorial debacle
JOBURG- Rain was bucketing down from 5am when international media gathered at the SABC studios in Aucklandpark to be bussed to the national stadium on 10 December.
The torrent of rain was fitting for a day where the world remembered South Africa’s late statesman Nelson Mandela.But in hindsight, the rain was an indication that the day would leave most people cold.
One of the first scuffles of the day was a rambunctious group from the African National Congress intimidating kiosk owners inside the FNB Stadium just after 7am as a group of journalists and police were waiting in line to buy a cup of watery coffee.
…Mandela didn’t die for whites to make money off him
Mandela didn’t die for whites to make money off him“Mandela didn’t die for whites to make money off him,” they shouted to a perplexed kiosk owner.Police had to intercede and the group had to be threatened to stop their hooliganism, resulting in kiosks remaining open.
Struggle songs filled the air as crowds slowly trickled in.By 12pm, the service started. The crowd cheered when live feed screens showed former ANC leaders and world dignitaries, but turned to loud denouncement as soon as the South African president was shown.
Crowds toyi-toyied in the stands when the Mandela family spoke, drowing out their words. The media box, filled with hundreds of representatives of media houses the world over, was treated to side-shows as ‘mourners’ hammed it up for the waiting cameras.
One man took to rubbing a sucker on a poster with the image of beloved Madiba’s head. He proceded to lick it, eventually kissing and sucking the poster.
…media houses the world over, was treated to side-shows as ‘mourners’ hammed it up for the waiting cameras
When American delegates, including Barack Obama, Bill and Hilary Clinton and George W Bush arrived, crowds flocked to where they were seated.
“Bill, Bill, Bill” they shouted ignoring the stage where leaders spoke of the legacy left by Mandela.
Struggle songs still filled the air.
It ceased as soon as Barack Obama took the mic. The audience was enthralled, clapping and cheering when he used the word ubuntu, saying
that Madiba leaves behind a nonracial, non-sexist society.
But then, when President Jacob Zuma’s face flashed on the screen, the loud boos started again.
By the end of Obama’s speech people left the stadium in droves.
Journalists and delegates were part of the mass exodus.
The end of the memorial saw small groups of people scattered in a near-empty stadium, where South Africans proved they had no respect for themselves.
A post event released by the government proclaimed the event a success – not mentioning the long list of horrors that will haunt the minds of
South Africa and the world for some time to come.
