AAISHA MOODLEY - "Madiba was the father of our nation. He was a builder of people and a builder of peace and democracy. He built our country again from scratch and made it what he imagined to be a democratic peaceful place, for different people of different races to live and have equal opportunities in."
With Mandela Day on the way, we are commemorating what he has done for the people of South Africa.
We asked residents around Northcliff what they think Nelson Mandela has done for our country and a lot of positivity came about.
THULANI FUNJWA – “We are free now, we are free to look for any jobs we want, we can choose whatever career we want, we can start our own businesses. The economy of South Africa has grown massively and its all thanks to Nelson Mandela.”
NIKKI MUNITZ – “He went through massive adversity and he came out better and stronger on the other side. He showed us as South Africans that you don’t have to use anything, not even going to prison for a long time, to stand in your way. He has taught us that you can always succeed if that is something that you really want to do, and as long as you are doing it in humility then you will have all the support you need.”
CLAUDIA VAN DER MERWE – “Madiba has done a lot. We now have health care and education provided for us equally from different races. Those are the things that I think stand out for me because education helps you grow into a career and reduces unemployment, and health care helps improve the health of a person and increases their lifespan.”
TANYA FIGUEIREDO – “Mandela was a man of his word. He didn’t use his power as president to do something other than what he had promised before he became president. He was about doing and not just saying and so many South Africans can learn from that. He has taught us what true character is.”
CLIVE BLUMENTHAL – “I think that Nelson Mandela has done the best thing for South Africa. He has opened all doors, he created opportunities for people of different races. He has made the world look at South Africa as a different country. He made his people believe that they can live together. He has made us one nation and he is my hero.”
SHIRAAZ MOODLEY – “Mandela has made it easier for us in the country to pursue our dreams without being restricted by anything. We all have equal opportunities in the country. We have rights and responsibilities and we are free to express ourselves the way we like to.”
