South Africa remembers Mandela

The country paid tribute to late former president Nelson Mandela as government and the Mandela family commemorated the icon’s life at Freedom Park on Friday.

December 6, 2014

Rorisang Kgosana 2 minutes read

Friday, the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing, saw delegates, the presidency, guests and the Mandela family gathered at Freedom Park to commemorate the life of the late political icon who died at age 95 on 5 December 2013.

Ministers and the Mandela family paid homage to the late former president, as they shared the common message of continuing with the icon’s legacy.

The ceremony began with a declaration of three minutes of silence in honour of Mandela and the country was urged to ring bells and sirens to remind others of the tribute.

Various delegates such as Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, human rights lawyer George Bizos and Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, shared stories of the hero and urged South Africans to continue living by his example.

“When we remember Mandela, we must also remember his laughter. Mandela was a happy person. Even though the thought of him may bring about tears, we must always remember his joy,” Pandor said before she welcomed acting President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said Mandela’s spirit reminded people to triumph.

“Though we no longer feel his physical presence, his spirit continues to inspire us. Nelson Mandela taught us that the human spirit is indeed capable of triumph over adversity.”

Earlier in the day, an intimate ceremony was held at the Union Buildings where wreaths were laid at the foot of the 9m bronze statue of the late former president.

Widow Graca Machel said knowing that her late husband is with his struggle family, has sustained her through the year.

“Madiba is happy because he is among the family he chose. He is with Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Lilian Ngoyi, Joe Slovo, Ruth First, Yusuf Dadoo and many of his brothers and sisters who have been part of his journey all along to his adult life. These are the people he made his family by choice,” she said.

Meanwhile, the country has taken to social media in voicing their tributes to their political hero.

@ayanka26 tweeted an image of the famous Howick sculpture of Mandela, with the caption “Remembering the greatest man who fought for us. Nelson Mandela.”

“Gone but not forgotten. The legend that is Nelson Mandela will live on in our hearts,” tweeted @jennifer_martin.