I woke this morning expecting to have a normal Friday, only to hear the devastating news that our beloved former President, Nelson Mandela, passed away.
I knew that the time would eventually come, but I still feel unprepared. It seems like only yesterday when he was released from prison. I will never forget that day, driving around Johannesburg with my family and hearing on the radio the celebrations taking place.
Even as a young boy of 8 years I knew in my heart that this man was going to do great things. I will also never forget the Madiba shuffle or the historic picture of him and Francois Pienaar holding the World Cup rugby trophy aloft.
When I was abroad for a short spell working in Asia, I always found it amazing the number of people who, when discovering I was South African, would ask me all about Mandela and we would talk about him for hours.
It is with these memories that I will be able to move on, but never forget the great man. His legacy lives on in all of us and I can only imagine the homecoming he is having in heaven right now. Rest in peace Madiba, you will be missed!
ANDREW
