NELSPRUIT – Persistent drizzle failed to dampen the celebratory memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday.
Following the announcement of his death last week, the service was scheduled for December 10, which is incidentally also International Human Rights Day and the 20-year anniversary of his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The official proceedings were streamed live from the FNB Stadium in Soweto, where more than 100 current and former heads of state converged to pay homage to the former leader of the ANC. It was, however, preceded by a ceremony at Mbombela Stadium by the provincial government.
Mr Simon Skhosana, MEC for cooperative governance, and Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu of public works acted as the programme directors. The keynote speaker, the premier Mr David Mabuza said, “There is no grave big enough to bury him. There was also no jail big enough to contain
him”. His speech was preceded by short prayers by religious leaders of six denominations – Christian, Bahai, Islam, Hindu, African and
Rastafarian.
Mpumalanga’s two Idols finalists, Brenden Ledwaba and Musa Sekwene also performed. Gospel singer Donnie drew loud cheers from the audience. Besides the government dignitaries, ANC and women’s league members, political parties such as the South African Communist Party, Economic Freedom Fighters and civil society attended in droves.
Mothers brought their children, born-free youths attended with their friends, and former MK soldiers enjoyed VIP status. The Sun Riders Motorcycle Club pulled their bikes noisily onto the field. People blew vuvuzelas and danced. They were bussed in from all areas of the province, taking the day off to pay their last respects. About 600 were made available to transport people from all over the province. However, there were problems, as some of them arrived late and the government later issued an apology to those sho could subsequently not attend.
While 40 000 people were expected to attend the provincial service, only about 26 000 braved the weather.
They also dispersed after the provincial ceremony concluded and the stadium crossed to a live streaming from FMB Stadium. Whether it was the noise in Johannesburg or Mbombela, the speeches were impossible to follow.
Mabuza concluded, “He was a shining star and will continue to guide us.” Mandela will be buried in his home town Qunu, Eastern Cape on Sunday, the day before the country celebrates Reconciliation Day on December 16. The night vigil planned at Mbombela Stadium for Saturday and the planned live streaming of events on Sunday during Madiba’s funeral have been cancelled.
However, as part of the memorial activities, provincial government will host additional services on Friday at 09:00 at Driekoppies Stadium in Nkomazi and Mkhuhlu Stadium in Bushbuckridge.
Membersof the community are encouraged to attend the memorial services and also to visit the mourning centres in their respective areas to sign the books of condolence.
