Madiba belonged to us all

African National Congress (ANC) Greater KwaDukuza region wants everyone to participate in celebrating Nelson Mandela’s life, because he belonged to everyone.
South Africa’s first black president passed away at his home in Houghton, Gauteng on Thursday.
President Jacob Zuma called for 10 days of national mourning from Friday, leading up to Mandela’s funeral on December 15.
At a media briefing on Monday to outline the region’s programme for the 10-day period, leaders stressed that events are not restricted to ANC members.
“Although Madiba shaped and was shaped by the ANC, he was not just an ANC entity. He was a global icon and the father of our nation. He belonged to everyone and we invite all people, regardless of political affiliation, to join us in honouring him,” said regional secretary Muzi Sithole.
Sithole acknowledged that the world, not just the ANC, had lost a giant.
He said it made sense for events honouring Madiba within the region be streamlined.
“We would like to believe everyone was touched by Madiba. He was an orderly man who stood for unity. In this spirit, we have invited opposition parties to participate in our programme and they have agreed.”
The official regional mourning site is the Luthuli Museum in Groutville, where a condolence book will remain for the mourning period. Members of the public are encouraged to write messages for Madiba in the book which, along with others across the country, will be collected and stored.
Sithole said ANC branches have been tasked with setting up other mourning sites in the region, where people may access them easily.
Mourning sites include the Stanger Manor carpark (opposite Engen Garage), KwaDukuza Town Hall, Sangweni Tourism Centre in Ballito, the ANC constituency office in Sundumbili Plaza and Sibusisiwe Hall (Mandeni) John Makathini Hall in Ndwedwe and Thusong Centre in Maphumulo.
The public may sign the books or lay a wreath or flowers at the sites between 8am and 4pm daily.
The region’s official memorial service will be held at the Sofia sports ground in Ntshawini on Thursday at 3pm.
A provincial memorial service takes place at Curries Fountain in Durban on Friday, which the regional will provide transport for.
A night vigil will be observed at the KwaDukuza Recreation Grounds from 7pm, where footage of Madiba will be screened and messages of support will be read out.
Sithole said it was not possible for everyone to be in Qunu, Madiba’s birthplace, or Houghton.
“We will screen the funeral at the Recreation Grounds on Sunday. We would all love to be there but Madiba is everywhere and we must be realistic.”