No matter how much we had prepared and were expecting it, the news that Nelson Mandela had died jolted us with terrible loss and sadness. On Friday I wanted to be with others who were feeling the same way and drove to the street of the Mandela family home in Houghton. People had been gathering there all night and morning, laying flowers, lighting candles, singing, praying and dancing. Almost a celebratory atmosphere at times, it was reminiscent of the joyous and unifying days of Madiba's release from prison, our first democratic election and the Rugby World Cup. Once again people of every colour, religion, age and nationality are coming together all over the country with a common purpose, to pay homage to this amazing man of courage, wisdom and reconciliation - may his legacy be revived and continue.
Posts
