Locals’ stories of meeting Mandela
Many ordinary South Africans - among them Sun readers - were touched by Nelson Mandela's humility and special touch of humanity when he sought out interactions with them as he carried out his duties in the years after his release from prison.
“I met Nelson at the journalist awards at Sandton City Convention Centre many years ago. My brother and I was doing the entertainment for the function, which was attended by Nelson Mandela and during the function he took the time to come over to us and in his distinctive accent said “are you the two that’s making such a beautiful music” with that hearty smile on his face. I will never forget it.”
Shaune McCaig Amanzimtoti
Tanya Livingston met Nelson Mandela a number of times as a helicopter pilot. “After landing somewhere in Natal with Madiba, after I hadn’t seen him since I’d flown Oryxs two years previously, Mandela greeted me: “Captain Tanya, do you still remember me?” Rest well, great man.”
Vimla Narsamuloo worked at South African Airways and was blessed to have met Tata on numerous occasions. “The first time I met him was when he returned to Johannesburg after being released from prison.” Vimla was also responsible for co-ordinating a meeting between Madiba and singer Roberta Flack. “I went to Mandela’s Houghton home for the meeting, where he signed a copy of his book for me. I last saw him in 2005 when he had us in stitches with his storytelling at an event. I have so many wonderful memories and stories of him.”
