Pretoria - The African National Congress (ANC) has bid farewell to former President Nelson Mandela as he is about to embark on his final trip to his home village of Qunu, where he will be buried on Sunday.
The party held a send-off ceremony for one of its most revolutionary leaders at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. Madiba’s casket arrived at the base before 7am, covered with the South African flag. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) handed over the casket to the party, where after it was covered with the ANC flag, marking the official start of the ceremony.
The mood, although solemn and dignified, was characterised by the celebration of the life of the colossus, who indelibly changed the political landscape of the country. Approximately 2 000 members of the ANC leadership and membership, including the alliance, were present at the ceremony. Mandela family members, including Madiba’s widow Graca Machel and former wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela, also attended.
President Jacob Zuma, who gave the keynote address, said the past few days have seen an unprecedented period of mourning and outpouring of love for Mandela.
Zuma said there were so many things that have been said about Mandela as he distinguished himself in every possible way.
“He combined two things, which is difficult to do - theory and action,” said Zuma.
Zuma recounted the history of the struggle, saying that even in the early days, Madiba had something powerful about him.
“He had the capacity to persuade,” he said, adding that he was also tactical and a powerful legal person.
Zuma hailed him as a man of peace, unity, a negotiator and a revolutionary. He said Madiba was an honest man of integrity and a mentor, and called on the ANC to emulate his example.
“Madiba believed in unity and reconciliation. He was a democrat who understood the world and understood that the people of South Africa were diverse. He believed in changing the quality of life and he was aware that it could not be done overnight.”
Zuma challenged the ANC to ponder how they can produce more Madibas so that the country can prosper.
“The challenge to us is to be more committed and dedicated to do what Madiba did to make the ANC stronger so that it can face the challenges of today.”
Despite having endured a difficult week keeping vigil at his grandfather’s side as he lay in state at the Union Buildings, Mandla Mandela took to the podium with a sense of humour this morning, as he retraced his grandfather’s footsteps on earth.
"I used to hear people chant 'Amandla' and I thought I was popular as they were chanting my name Mandla,” he said, recounting the days of the struggle.
He also recalled what he witnessed while his grandfather was lying in state over the past three days.
“I have witnessed the people of SA over past three days… I can assure you, the future of this country is bright.”
Mandla Mandela read the obituary of his grandfather, imbued with a vivid retelling of Madiba's life as a young boy and revolutionary.
“Madiba is the story of South Africa,” he said.
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) Deputy Secretary General Bheki Ntshalintshali talked about how Mandela fought for the workers. He said when workers sing about Madiba “their blood heats up and their eyes become wet”.
“Workers held Mandela in their hearts and the former President had supported their interests.”
He said Mandela’s dedication to the betterment of workers earned him the first highest Cosatu honour, the Elijah Barayi, which is given to those, workers consider to be irreproachable.
Ntshalintshali said Mandela should tell other fallen cadres in heaven that their dreams were achieved. “Tell them the movement still lives.”
The South African National Civic Organisation’s Ruth Bhengu thanked Winnie Madikizela Mandela for the support she gave Mandela during the struggle. She thanked Graca for the joy and care she gave Mandela until the end.
Sanco recommitted to the Masakhane campaign -- a partnership of a community determined to take responsibility for its own upliftment to address the legacy of the past -- which Mandela launched in 1995.
SACP 2nd Deputy General Secretary Solly Afrika Mapaila said the country “must continue to reclaim the revolutionary Mandela so future generations don't see him as an undefined icon”.
Mandela’s body and the family will now fly to Qunu. – SAnews.gov.za
