Pretoria – For many of the people interviewed on the Southern Lawns of the Union Buildings on Friday, it was that moment when they filed passed the open coffin of former President Nelson Mandela that reality struck – he was no more.
Today is the third and last day that the struggle icon’s body will lie in state at the Union Buildings.
The public have until 5.30pm to view the body which is placed under a special structure in the Amphitheatre. The area has since been renamed the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
Government has already advised that the park-and-ride facilities situated at three venues in Tshwane are at capacity and those who are in the queues are not guaranteed to see Madiba’s body.
Madiba’s body will be transported back to 1 Military Hospital this afternoon, escorted by military police and traffic officials. He will be flown to the Eastern Cape tomorrow, ahead of the official funeral on Sunday.
One of those who were able to view Madiba’s body was Adelaide Jumbe, from Daveyton in Ekurhuleni. She told SAnews that she was happy to have had the chance to see him.
“I never had an opportunity to meet him while he was still alive. I thank God that I have seen him now. When I heard that Madiba had died, I could not believe it, but now that I’ve seen him lying there, I realise that he is no more,” she said.
She believed that Madiba was now “in good hands in heaven”.
“Madiba has done a lot for us. Today we are enjoying the fruits of democracy because of him,” Jumbe said.
Obakeng Segoa, from Mabopane, north of Pretoria, told SAnews he had been waiting at the Union Buildings since 4am, but he finally got his moment with Madiba.
He felt a satisfaction after viewing the body of his hero and it had brought him closure.
“Am sad that he has died,” Segoa said, adding that for him losing Madiba was like losing a part of his body.
Charmaine Oosthuizen said she had travelled all the way from Bethlehem in the Free State to be part of this historic event.
“He was my hero, he did a lot for us so we can enjoy democracy. I’m saddened by his death and we will always remember him,” she said.
There are long and uncomfortable queues stretching for about 5km from the entrance to the Union Buildings.
Police and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are keeping a watchful eye and ensuring security is kept tight.
About 14 000 people viewed Madiba’s body on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
