The ANC in the province also joined the millions of people who are still paying tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Mandela died last night at his Houghton house after a very long illness. The Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC, ANCWL, PTT of the Youth League and the Alliance is greatly saddened by the untimely passing of former president, comrade Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. “Our nation has lost a colossus, an epitome of humility, equality, justice, peace and the hope of millions here and broad.” said ANC provincial secretary Lucky Ndinisa.

Madiba loved South Africa. We recall the strength of his fist punching the air as he stepped out of 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 and great respect for the women of this country”. he said.

The ANC in the province has taken a look back to his life and shared some of the best moments of this world icon.

Nelson Mandela, Isithwalande, born in the village of Qunu in the province erstwhile B Bantustan of the Transkei, recognized the burden of colonial and racial oppression and exploitation. He then joined the African National Congress in 1942. He was convinced by the belief his wise tutor, Walter Sisulu, had in the ANC as the means to effect change in the South Africa. As he said.

“Sometimes one can judge an organization by the people who belongs to it, and I knew that would be proud to belong to any organization of which Walter was a member”.

He loved the ANC. Hence his frequent words that upon his death he would join the nearest branch of the ANC in heaven.

In his lifetime of struggle through the African National Congress, he assumed and was assigned various leadership positions. He served with distinction. He was part of the ANC leadership collective and did not make decisions without reflecting with his comrades. Yet he would fight for the principle of what was the right thing to do.

Madiba was also a member of the South African Communist Party, where he served in the central committee. He was a choice to not only be a product but the maker of his hand and his people’s history.

Soon after his release he took the mantle of the President of the ANC and, ultimately the country becoming the first President of a democratic South Africa. He worked tirelessly for the ANC and a free South Africa. He hated racism and bigotry, sought a united, non racial, non sexist and democratic society where all are equal.

“Ours is not to ask for equality on a lower scale, ours is to fight to win on an equal but higher level”.

He passed the baton to the younger generation of his beloved movement, the ANC, to carry on with the vision of bringing about an equal and just society. The ANC continues in this task as set forth by him and those of his generation, living, and deceased. Indeed, men and women such as Nelson Mandela. When they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools with which to win and build it.

“His life gave us the courage to push forward for development and progress towards ending hunger and poverty. As we said of him while still alive and we say so now” added Ndinisa.

“To the entire family of Mandela, we extend our heartfelt condolences, he was as much yours as he was ours, probably his dedication to the ANC family robbed you of a father.” Continuing he said they will, from this minute on, as always walk his journey with the family up unit the end.

“To his friends, in the ANC and across the globe all divide, be comforted. To the people of South Africa, may your hearts be not in distress. He lives in each and every one of you and in your homes, because he gave himself to all of us.”

Concluding his statement he said “Lets us celebrate the gift of his life from this moment on, Let us honour his memory in a dignified way as his leadership and stature deserves. Let us participate in all the activities organized in his honour in a disciplined and respectable manner, until he is laid to rest.”

Rest in peace,

Comrade President, Isithalwande Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

All power to the people.