City of Joburg honours Madiba
The City of Johannesburg has paid tribute to the memory and legacy of its most-loved and celebrated resident, Nelson Mandela.
“Although the father of our democracy belonged to all South Africans – and indeed to all freedom-loving people across the world – Johannesburg held a special place in his heart,” said a statement issued by the City of Joburg.
“It was here that he started his career and his quest for the liberation of our country, and it was to Johannesburg that he returned after a lifetime of service to the nation. The people of our city responded by conferring on him the highest honour of Freeman of the City, in addition to his many other distinctions he received, including the Nobel Peace Prize and the Ikhamanga Award.”
The City of Johannesburg expressed its deepest condolences to Mandela’s wife and family upon the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. “We are grateful for the opportunities he had to serve the people of Johannesburg and our city,” read the statement.
“The memory of Isithwalandwe, Seaparankoe, Nelson Mandela, will live on in Johannesburg through the many landmarks named after him – the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, and his homes in Orlando West and Houghton. We honour his memory and as a city, we will continue to build on the legacy he bestowed on us.”
