A country in mourning
Most South Africans who were old enough to know what was happening on February 11, 1990 will remember exactly what they were doing when former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela stepped out the doors of Victor Verster Prison (now Drakenstein Correctional Centre) and into his free life.
Standing outside the prison – right fist in the air and clasping Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s hand with his left hand – he presented the world with an iconic image which will long be engrained in the memories of all who saw it.
He was then, and remained for the following 22 years, a beacon of hope for a free and peaceful South African. A man who was prepared to lay down his life to ensure equal rights for every person in this country, he was adopted by the entire country – irrespective or race or political beliefs – as the father (or perhaps grandfather) of the entire nation.
Today we recall what we were doing last night when this world icon took his last breath at the age of 95.
It is a sad moment not only for his family and his country, but for the entire world with world leaders paying tribute to the great example Mandela set for how a country, which many believed was on the brink of civil war, could tackle democracy without bloodshed.
Today we pay homage to Mandela and his legacy.
Our condolences go out to his family and the people of South Africa as we prepare to lay the icon to rest.
