Two of the former statesman’s grandchildren attend St John’s College.
Despite the school having closed for the December holidays, admin and support staff as well as exam moderators filled the school’s chapel to pay tribute to Madiba.
Thelma Bathobakae, one of the domestic staff from the college, read a Bible scripture.
St John’s College headmaster, Roger Cameron, extended his condolences on behalf of the school to the family and friends of former President Nelson Mandela, who passed away on 5 December.
“We as a school wish to acknowledge the iconic role that Madiba has played in the country, in Africa and the world,” said Cameron.
“He has been a statesman of immense stature, and led our country through a critical time of transition when the world predicted violence and bloodshed in South Africa.”
He added, “It was his extraordinary ability to see that we all needed each other for the success of our country that enabled him to hold out a vision to all South Africans of a united democratic, peaceful and joyful country.”
Cameron said that it was under the leadership of Mandela that people in South Africa were able to show the world how people of different races, religions, genders and cultures could live together in harmony, and work together for a productive future.
“We still need that vision, and the legacy of Madiba will be his inspiration to this country and the world to put aside our differences and live together as God’s children,” he said.
“We honour him for his immense contribution and we are proud of his association with St John’s through his visits to our rugby festival in 1998; as our guest speaker at Speech Night; and as a visitor to the opening of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Bridge in 2003.”
