President Jacob Zuma has received thousands of condolence books from around the country and abroad, which contain messages from the people paying tribute to former President Nelson Mandela who passed on in December last year.
A total of 4 850 condolence books have been so far received from South African Embassies in countries outside South Africa and 110 from provinces across South Africa. In addition, a total of 3 000 cards have been received from abroad. President Zuma continues to receive books and messages.
The President perused some of the books today, as the country begins the Mandela month.
July is dedicated to national humanitarian service in honour of Madiba and 18 July in particular, Madiba’s birthday, has been designated by the United Nations as International Mandela Day, a day on which citizens of the world dedicate their time to doing good work in the service of humanity.
President Zuma has called upon all in South Africa to engage in a national Operation Clean Up, in the promotion of a clean, healthy and safer environment in honour of Madiba.
Condolence books were placed around the country, including at the Union Buildings, Parliament, government departments, at South African missions abroad and at provincial government offices during the national week of mourning the passing of Madiba. Provinces have begun sending the books back to the Union Buildings.
“I wish to thank all the people of South Africa and also the people of the world, for taking their time to sign condolence books and to pay tribute to our beloved world icon, Tata Madiba and to comfort his family. As we begin Mandela Month, let us make this a month of reflection and of building caring society which is dedicated to making this country a better place to live in, in memory of Madiba and all heroes and heroines of our struggle for liberation. Let us work together to build the South Africa that Madiba dreamed about and worked for,” said President Zuma.
Some of the messages are the following:
“Our father may be gone but the ‘Madiba magic’ still lives on in our hearts. (Mavis Sebothoma, Gauteng)
“A true leader who fought for liberty. The nation will forever love and cherish you”. (Sne, KwaZulu-Natal)
“You were great Tata, siyohlala sikukhumbula ngelotsanvo ne mehluko lowentile etimphilweni letfu baba. Love you”. (Maria Mashele, Mpumalanga)
“Rus vrose Madiba, jy het baie beteken vir ons land!! RIP”. (Mathane R.L, Western Cape)
“Tata wethu indlela ubusenzela ngayo nempatho ubusiphathe ngayo, asiyi kuyilibala nakwiminyaka ezayo sakuhlala siyigcinilie. Hamba kahle Mthomkhulu akakho oyakufananawe”. (Zoliswa Mboya- Eastern Cape)
“A man of great tenacity and unimaginable wisdom. Your spirit shall live on”, (Thembi Mlotha- Free State)
“Robala ka khutso senatla. O e lwetse tokologo, re batho ka wena Nelson Mandela. Diphetogo e bile tse dintsi ka wena. Robala ka khutso tate”. (Onnica Modiba, Limpopo)
“To our beloved father of the Nation you made us for who we are today. You made us proud and taught us to stand for ourselves. Without you the world is nothing. Thank you Tata for being our hero. May your soul rest in peace.” (Molebogeng Setlhare, North West)
The break down of Madiba condolence books from inside South Africa as received thus far are as follows:
1. Free State - 7
2. Gauteng - 14
3. Eastern Cape - 16
4. KwaZulu-Natal - 10
5. Western Cape - 8
6. North West - 10
7. Limpopo - 15
8. Mpumalanga - 5
9. Northern Cape - 12
10. National government departments - 13
11. Republic of South Africa Missions abroad - 4 850
Total - 4 960
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
