Official attendance figures indicates that 23 900 people came to the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to say goodbye to Dr Nelson Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, at the Eastern Cape Memorial Service today.
(See: Nelson Mandela Bay Memorial and Images for images)
The smiling face of the fallen hero on large banners adorning the stadium, almost seemed life-like when the brave young souls of two daycare centres, Haas Das and Omega Day Care, sang Twinkle Little Star, the National Anthem and Peace In Our Land.
A rousing applause suggested that the lively crowd appreciated the fact that Madiba who loved children, donated a portion of his salary to help children and was the founder of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation amongst others.
The day was further highlighted by spontaneous singing by the crowd.
ANC Treasurer-General Dr Zweli Mkhize, who delivered the keynote address, said: “Our leaders should understand and practice the values of Madiba by fighting corruption and improving the lives of the poor.”
He highlighted the importance of education and urged youth to get marketable skills that will make them employable.
He quoted Dr Nelson Mandela saying that education can make a child of a peasant to be a lawyer.
Madiba started a law firm with Oliver Reginald Tambo, also a former president of the ANC, and was the first Commander-in-Chief of Umkhonto We Sizwe, the spear of the nation.
Acting Eastern Cape Premier Mcebisi Jonas thanked the Former President for his role in fighting for freedom and that he sacrificed his life and family for our freedom.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in conjunction with key stakeholders went all out to ensure that people flocked to the stadium to pay their last respects.
Dr Mvuyo Tom, Vice Chancellor of Fort Hare University, the alma mater of Dr Nelson Mandela said: “A lot has been said about Mandela, but as Fort Hare University we would like to focus on his incredible belief that proper education change the lives many. Madiba referred to it as the most powerful weapon.
“This great man made sure that generations after him got educated. As a result of Mandela’s efforts sons and daughters of mineworkers, kitchen workers and gardeners became professionals in different fields,” he added.
Even if no-one came Madiba would still have smiled and been happy.
On Sunday, 15 February, the great political icon will be laid to rest in Qunu.
Nelson Mandela Bay Public Mourning Areas at the Kuyga Community Hall (Greenbushes), Seaview Community Hall, Colchester Community Hall, Daku Community Hall, Nangoza Jebe Hall (old Centenary Hall), Booysen Park Community Hall, George Botha Indoor Sports Centre, Nelson Mandela Peace Park (Motherwell), Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre, Wells Estate Complex, Allanridge Hall, Babs Madlakane Hall, Despatch Town Hall, Walmer High School and the Helenvale Resource Centre can be used to follow the proceedings in Qunu and connecting with fellow South Africans. Only a Condolence Book is available at the Red Location Museum.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Benson Fihla, a contemporary of Dr Nelson Mandela, said: “Today we are closing the last chapter of this revolutionary man. He always reminded us that he was part of a collective of comrades and not the only ANC leader. As Nelson Mandela Bay we should not shame Nelson Mandela’s name, but continue to walk in the road that he paved.”
The Public Mourning Areas will be open today and Sunday from 8am.
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