The day that Nelson Mandela stole hearts in Makhado

POLOKWANE – Those who have met former president, Nelson Mandela will agree on one thing: his presence was tangible no matter where he went.

Madiba passed away on December 5 2013, aged 95.

Nelson Mandela visited Makhado in 1998 and arrived by helicopter at the then Louis Trichardt air force base.

Jaco van Heerden, now a resident of Polokwane, was a technician at the air force base and on duty on the day of Madiba’s visit.

His wife, Renette, told Review her husband called her and told her to bring their children, Ina-Mari and Jacobus to meet Madiba.

Renette said Mandela made his presence felt and that this was the lasting impression she and her husband had of the great leader.

Renette sais Madiba asked her if he could hold her baby daughter. She said she treasures the beautiful picture of Madiba holding her daughter with her husband standing next to them.

Young Jacobus stumbled upon a toktokkie beetle and, when he stood with the other children to meet Madiba, Madiba asked in Afrikaans: “Wat het jy daar in jou hand?”

The fact that he spoke to the little boy in his own language, impressed young and old present at the event.

“This is what made Nelson Mandela such a great person in my eyes.

“From a Christian point of view, I can certainly say he paved the way by showing people from all walks of life how to forgive, and that is a quality of a true Christian,” Renette said.