NELSPRUIT – A cultural and traditional specialist, Gogo Velephi Monica Zwane, says the cloudy and rainy weather is a sign that the heavens are weeping at the passing of a great leader. She says she knew even before Nelson Mandela passed on that some great person was about to die.

“After all those years of learning and research, I have come to understand such things and believe me, the rain and the mist we see in the mountains are the signs that even mother nature is weeping at the death of a great leader. This is what happens, especially regarding those who are chosen by Almighty God himself,” says Gogo Zwane who spoke to Mpumalanga News on Tuesday just after Mandela’s memorial service at the Mbombela Stadium. “You might have noted, the mists are not as we are used to, they are dark and the clouds are also dark and look angry and in the shape of an iceberg.

These are all signs that even the heavens and Mother Nature are also weeping the passing of Madiba. I am certain that it’s going to be like this until he is laid to rest,” she continues.

Supporting these sentiments is Rev Nthale who tells Mpumalanga News that the rain is no coincidence but a symbol that a leader has fallen and he also suspects it’s going to rain until Tata has been laid to rest.

He says, “History has taught us that rain will fall even in the driest deserts when great leaders die. It is a sign from the gods and God himself that such people are different from other ordinary people.

“This rain is actually a good omen for the country as it also symbolises victory, prosperity and unity.”