EKURHULENI – Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Councillor Mondli Gungbele stepped up to fully explain what the name Rolihlahla really means. He told councillors and the public, “The name does not refer to the pulling of branch from a healthy tree but rather dragging out unwanted dirt.”
Drawing from the words of Gungubele, the life of Mandela resembled his name accurately. He did not ‘cause trouble’ as many believed over the years, but he was the one who dragged out the dirt of Apartheid.
After his passing Time magazine described Mandela this week with a headline, “Protester. Prisoner. Peacemaker,” which up to a large extend complemented the words of Gungubele; while mayoral spokesperson said, “This was a statesman who rose above hate and vengeance to embrace peace and reconciliation.
“He was a man whose courage, wisdom, visionary leadership and almost unhuman-like capacity to forgive continue to inspire people far beyond South Africa.”
Mandela was described as a Giant who taught the rest of the world how to forgive. When detractors thought that the dawn of the new South Africa would signal the start of bloodshed in this country, he became the ambassador of peace and stability during a very difficult time in our history.
Gungubele said, “As the City of Ekurhuleni we join hands with the globe in mourning the passing of the Father of Our Nation. Our farewell bid to Nelson Mandela must not be final.
“We must refuse to say goodbye to his ideals, his vision and the dream he had for this country. Madiba may have passed on but I do believe that his spirit will never leave us. This son of the soil will forever live in our hearts.”
The mayor concluded by quoting the words of Mandela, “In the many inspiring messages that this great man shared with us, I wish to remind you of this one; ‘what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’. The world has lost a great man and an incredible human being. What a sad day this is!”
As thousands of South Africans pay their respect to the man who shaped the future of South Africa, Ekurhuleni residents can express their feelings at the following place where they can find books of condolences at the following places Kwa-Thema Civic hall, Kempton Park Civic and Germiston City hall. These will be open from 09:00 to 22:00 until Sunday December 15.
