Eager youngsters from Maryvale College were privileged to be part of a heartfelt and moving event.
Candice Mama, the daughter of slain activist, Glenack Masilo Mama, taught them one of the most powerful lessons – the power of forgiveness.
In 1992, when Mama was eight months old, her father was gunned down and set alight by Eugene de Kock’s death squad. Most people would allow hate and revenge to take over their hearts, but Mama did not allow pain and anger to hold her hostage.
Mama went to Pretoria Central Prison, together with her family, to visit and forgive De Kock – an act which she said helped to heal both her and De Kock.
In spite of growing up without a father, Mama has made a great success of her life. Now in her mid-20s, she holds a degree in corporate communications, is a motivational speaker, a model and a radio personality on CliffCentral.
She has also been a guest speaker at several overseas universities and plans are afoot for her to spread her message of forgiveness via the United Nations.
Kimon Neophyte, a teacher at the college, was so inspired by Mama’s story that he wrote a novel, The Pen or The Panga. Written two years ago and published by Pearson and Heinemann, it, too, is a story of forgiveness which has become a set work in schools.
Details: Learn more about Mama and her inspiring story at www.justcandice.co.za
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