POLOKWANE – The late Nelson Mandela’s birthday was celebrated on Saturday, 18 July. Mandela was the first democratically elected president of South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison, and after he was released, he worked to promote human rights and create a better future for all South Africans. Mandela died in December 2013. He was well-known for his fight for democracy and became a hero of the people, not only in South Africa but across the world.
Review asked learners at Mickey and Minnie Castle School if they knew who Mandela was.
Nokwazi Mngomezulu said she had no idea who Mandela was.
Rotendwa Sikhauli said he heard people talk about Mandela on the TV, but he did not know what he looked like.
“I know Mandela is an old man with white hair, but I have never seen him,” he said.
Keitumetse Mere said she knew that Mandela spent many years in prison but she did not know what he did. “Mandela is everyone’s grandfather, he loved us all.”
Ntsako Shikwambana said she watched Mandela’s funeral on TV because her parents watched and talked about him.
“All I know is that Mandela loved children very much and I know he was a president of South Africa,” she said.
Davina Amber said she did not know anything about Mandela. “It’s the first time I hear of that name, I don’t know whether he is a boy or a girl,” she said.
Bohlale Moetji said he knew Mandela as ‘Tata’ because they called him that.
Ntsako Shikwambana said she has seen a big picture of Mandela at her granny’s place and she knew that there was a big statue, but she did not know where it was. “I know that he was a good man and he has done good things for our parents,” she said.
Malesedi Mohlala said Mandela was a rich person who spent money on people.
“My parents told me that we will eat Madiba’s cake on Saturday because it’s his birthday,” she explained.
