GALLERY: Prince Harry shared his memory of Mandela
JOBURG – Two years after his passing we remember a man who wanted freedom for all.
The legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, was celebrated and honoured on 3 December.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation Nelson Mandela Foundation held a service in Houghton to mark the second anniversary of Mandela’s death.
Among the dignitaries were his wife, Graça Machel, Britain’s Prince Harry, former struggle icons such as Judge George Bizos, Judge Moseneke, Amhed Kathrada, Trevor Manuel and his wife Maria Ramos – to mention a few.
Prince Harry was also accompanied by Judith Macgregor, British High Commissioner to South Africa.
He delivered a moving address, as the world marked the second year since Madiba’s passing.
Prince Harry also toured the Centre of Memory and Archives, and reflected on the legacy Madiba left the world.
“It is not for me to try to put into words the impact that President Mandela had on South Africa, or a generation across the globe. I was fortunate enough to have met Madiba a number of years ago, and I have treasured that memory ever since,” Prince Harry said in his speech.
The chairman of the foundation, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, said while we recall the memory of Nelson Mandela, it is not a time for sentimentality.
“The memory of Madiba enjoins us to face history squarely with rigour, particularly in the face of increasing assaults on his legacy only 21 years after a free and democratic South Africa came into being,” the chairman said, referring to recent events like the #FeesMustFall campaign.
“It is the mandate and duty of the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote Mandela’s legacy. But we do not expect that that legacy will always be praised. What we do think and deeply believe is that his legacy does play a vital and fundamental role in the unfolding of South Africa’s future,” Ndebele said.
“We also believe that our deep respect for it is shared by many in this country, and in the world over.”
Details: Nelson Mandela Foundation www.nelsonmandela.org or 011 547 5600.
Related Stories:
Today marks the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison
