Madiba: Remembering an icon

POLOKWANE – Former president, Nelson Mandela passed away on Thursday, December 5 at 20:50, and residents share with Review what they will remember about him and what he has taught them.

“Whenever I hear Mandela’s name, I think about reconciliation,” says Paul du Plessis.

“I’ll always remember his forgiveness and passion for people. He taught me to forgive.”

Joyce Mamabolo says Madiba was her king. “He was a true man, I will remember so many things like his forgiveness and peace.”

Stephen Tjale will remember Madiba’s struggle to free his people.”He was a great leader and I learned from him to forgive and to move on.”

Anton Vermeulen says he cannot believe Madiba has died. “He was a great man in spirit. He taught me to forgive others and to forget the wrong they did.”

Mavis Petja remembers Madiba as someone who fought for the rights of others. “Because of him we receive child grants and there is peace in the land. He taught us Ubuntu.”

Catherine Rameetse has happy memories of Nelson Mandela. “He gave us peace in the land. I will remember his forgiveness.”

For Agnes Raseala, Madiba was a king and a hero. She says she will remember the peace that surrounded him.

Melonie du Toit will also remember how Madiba forgave others and loved everyone. “His smile and friendly eyes will always stay with me.”

Geneva Moketla says: “It is a great loss and I wish there was someone else as great as he was. He taught me to respect others and not to discriminate. He was always happy and encouraged people to be better”.

“He taught me humanity and to love others. I will always remember the love he showed. He stood for peace and I will always remember that,” says Sophie Modika.

Mical Mashila says he is saddened by Madiba’s passing. “He taught me about love for other people, especially children.”

For Tumisang Maponya, Madiba’s forgiveness and sense of prosperity will always stay with him. “I will remember his smile and the way he danced.”

Mosa Mathole says Madiba is synonymous with freedom. “He fought for people in South Africa to be free and to love each other. For him, people came first, not the colour of the skin. I will remember him for all he did and taught us.”

Lucy Kale says she will remember Madiba for all the good things he did. “He taught me to respect others.”

Johannes Modimane remembers the former president as someone who was full of peace and forgiveness.

Christina Mothapo says Madiba was a good and peaceful man. “I learned respect from him and to respect others the way I want to be respected.”