It would be wrong for us not to say that our children have a role model per excellence or not to say that Mandela was the glue that bound together all the political parties in South Africa, North West Premier Thandi Modise said during the Provincial memorial service held in honour of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in Orkney near Klerksdorp on Thursday.
Premier Modise told the close to ten thousand mourners who attended the memorial service that Mandela was a great legend that left an indelible mark in world politics, becoming an important role model.
“We meet here today to pay our respect to our father, our hero, the father of the nation. We meet today to say thank you to the former commander of MK. He helped South Africa to export a strong culture of human rights,” said Premier Modise.
Nelson Mandela who died on the 5th this month at the age of 95 became the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994 after serving 27 years in jail for his role in the liberation struggle. He joined the African National Congress in 1942, serving the organisation in various capacities with distinction for more than five decades.
Representatives from various organisations including politics, business, labour and interfaith movements paid their homage the late former president and world icon.
In his tribute, Chairperson of North West House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Madoda Zibi remembered the first meeting President Nelson Mandela held with traditional leaders across the country in 1994.
"Madiba started the meeting by apologising for making us to come to Sandton to meet him instead of him coming to us in provinces. That was a message of respect to us as dikgosi something that has never happened to us before. He mapped a way for us that brought hope. It is in that meeting that our dignity as traditional leaders was restored after we were reduced to almost nothing by the apartheid regime.
Madiba was a gift so rare but so dear. We hope that the respect he had to Dikgosi will be continued by those who remain behind. He will forever remain our hearts. The legacy that he leaves for us will remain for many generations to come," said Kgosi Zibi.
Cosatu 2nd Deputy President, Zingiswa Losi described Mandela as the most inspirational leader of our times, saying that he was a qualified lawyer who could have lived a successful and comfortable life, but chose a difficult route to fight apartheid and ensure that South Africa became one of the world’s most successful democracies.
In paying his last respect, one of the umKhonto weSizwe veterans Zacharia Tolo said Mandela was a history maker whose sacrifices, leadership and humility changed the world.
“When books of history were written, some of the things that Mandela shared was the Mandela Plan. We shall always remember him for the part he played and the sacrifices that he made in the struggle to make a world a better place for all,” said Tolo.
African National Congress North West Deputy Secretary and Chief Whip Gordon Kegakilwe described Mandela as a freedom fighter of rare qualities and the first Commander-in Chief of MK who was prepared to take up arms and lay down his life for equality, justice and peace.
“The life of Nelson Mandela was a life well-lived, dedicated to the service of his people, Africa and the world,” Kegakilwe.
Deputy President and Leader of the United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP) in the Provincial Legislature, Tedie Moerane said that Mandela used his ethical, charismatic authority to inspire his nation to change and accept transformation.
“We salute Nelson Mandela for his transformational leadership style. We salute the legend, the titanic icon for championing reconciliation, tolerance and nation building,” added Moerane.
The ANC and the UCDP were the only parties that had responded to the invitation from Premier Modise to participate in an inclusive memorial service in honour of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Judge President of the North West High Court, Monicca Leeuw, Members of the Executive Council, Members of Parliament, Provincial legislature, religious leaders, representatives of the business sector and senior government officials were part of the biggest memorial service ever held in the province.
Commenting from the grand stand, Nicoline Swarts, said that Madiba was a legend and an inspirational leader who deserved the honour bestowed upon him by the province, country and the world.
“Attending the memorial service was the only way to say my thanks and pay tribute, for all that Tata Mandela has done for our country. Today was amazing just sitting here in peace and harmony, and that’s the work of the great man Mandela. He means so much to us, and for our country. I just wish that we keep his legacy and move forward and fight for what he stood for,” said the physiotherapist at Witrand District Hospital in Potchefstroom.
One of the residents who attended the memorial service is 69 year old Martha Sebogodi from Ext 3 of Kanana Township near Orkney. Sebogodi said "if it wasn't for Ntate Mandela I would still be staying in a shack and living under unbearable conditions. I had to wait for a long time but ultimately I was given the house 8 years ago. Many people will still be staying in shacks if Mandela did not bring us freedom. I'm grateful that God gave us this great man. He is a symbol of peace and change. May his soul rest in peace"
Renowned poet and musician Mzwakhe Mbuli and Blondie Makhene were amongst the musicians that included local artists who came to pay their homage for the world’s greatest icon.
President Mandela will be finally laid to rest on Sunday, following ten days of mourning.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
