The Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality, Councillor Mpho Kebitsamang Nawa, on behalf of all the Municipalities of the West Rand and the entire staff, sends his deepest condolences to the Mandela family for the passing away of the former statesman and leader of the oldest liberation movement in the African continent, the African National Congress.
“Tata Nelson Mandela, your life was dedicated to the struggle of the African people, the African diaspora, the world at large and South Africa in particular.
“As we continue with our daily lives without you being around, we promise to take the baton and continue where you left off. We are now where we are because of your immense contribution to the struggle to free our country from the shackles of oppression. We always will remember your reverberating words at the Rivonia treason trial when you said, ‘I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination …’
“These words will remind us forever that this country belongs to all of us who live in it.
“We are deeply sad inside, but happy outside because we see the world is a better place because of you, Tata. You taught us to forgive and to live in freedom. You were an inspiration to so many people of all races and creeds. President Mandela spent his life fighting for a just society; consistently he led as a central figure in the negotiations to free South Africa from a possible blood bath.”
Madiba loved South Africa.
“We recall the strength of his fist punching the air as he stepped out of Victor Vester prison after 27 years, and his sternness during the negotiations for the freedom of our beloved country. We celebrate his ever-present smile, the cheerful Madiba jive, his love for children, the Madiba shirts and great respect for the women of this country.
“We call on all our people in the district and region of the West Rand to work together with our local municipalities in celebrating the life and legacy of our great father who sacrificed his life selflessly to secure our freedom and democracy.
“We call on all our local communities in their various formations to celebrate his life through memorial services, prayers, music and other festivities, let us not cry, but celebrate Tata Madiba and our freedom. Let us use his passing to remind us to build National Democratic Society where race, sex and any other prejudice do not come to play.
“May his undying spirit live in every one of us.”
