Pretoria – ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe has added his voice to the tributes pouring in for former President Nelson Mandela, who passed away on Thursday evening.
He said it was with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that the ANC had learnt of Madiba’s death. Madiba passed away at his Houghton home in Johannesburg. He was 95.
“Our nation has lost a colossus, an epitome of humility, equality, justice, peace and the hope of millions, here and abroad,” said Mantashe, who recalled the powerful image of Madiba punching the air as he stepped out of prison after 27 years.
“In the life of every nation, there arise men who leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the history of their peoples; men who are both products and makers of history. And when they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools with which to win and build it,” he said.
Mantashe recalled Madiba’s ever-present smile, cheerful jive, his love for children and great respect for the women of this country.
“His life gives us the courage to push forward for development and progress towards ending hunger and poverty. As we said of him while still alive, and we say so now: ‘We have you, Madiba, as our nearest and brightest star to guide us on our way. We will not get lost.’”
He said the ANC extended its condolences to the Mandela family. “He was as much yours as he was ours, probably his dedication to the ANC family robbed you of a father. We will, from this minute on, as always, walk this journey with you to the end.
“To his friends, in the ANC and across the globe and across all divide, be comforted.
To the people of South Africa, may your hearts be not in distress. He lives in each and every one of you and in your homes, because he gave of himself to all of us.”
Mantashe called on South Africans to celebrate the gift of his life from this moment on and honour his memory in a dignified way as his leadership and stature deserves.
“Let us participate in all the activities organised in his honour in a disciplined and respectful manner, until he is laid to rest,” he said.
Madiba will receive a State Funeral and all flags in the country will fly at half-mast tomorrow and remain so until after the funeral. – SAnews.gov.za
