Pretoria – Government has thanked the Mandela family for sharing Nelson Mandela with the nation and the world during his life and in his death.
“We thank you for your generosity and graciousness in allowing hundreds of thousands of ordinary South Africans to be part of a range of memorial events that were open to public participation,” said government in a statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
President Jacob Zuma declared a 10-day mourning period when he announced that Madiba had passed away peacefully at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg on 5 December.
“Our people and the international community alike, joined hands with the family outside Madiba’s home in Houghton; at the National Memorial Service at FNB Stadium; during three days of our Founding President lying in state at the seat of government, the Union Buildings; along the streets of Pretoria as the cortege made its way to the Union Buildings each day; at Air Force Base Waterkloof, and on the memorial route from Mthatha Airport to the family farm at Qunu,” said government.
Those South Africans who could not be at these events shared in these momentous events by setting up their own tribute sites to Madiba at various points around the country, signing books of condolences, posting their sentiments on social media and turning out in large numbers last Sunday for the national day of prayer and reflection.
Some businesses had responded by closing their doors on Sunday, the day of the burial, or donating profits of the day’s trading to the former President’s charitable causes.
Government said the mourning period had seen people abandoned their routines to travel great distances or spend many hours in long queues to be part of the events.
“None of this was considered an inconvenience, though, because we knew that Madiba had endured being deprived of personal freedom and a family life so that we could have the South Africa we have today.”
Government thanked the international community who were at the country’s side at memorial gatherings.
It said there had been an unprecedented flow of Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organisations and eminent persons into the country, carrying the thoughts and prayers of millions of their people.
“In his passing, as in his life, President Mandela united humanity, transcended difference, embraced diversity and focused the attention of the world on the best of humanity, not its failings or shortcomings.
“We wish our international guests a safe return to their respective countries after spending this special time with us.”
Government further thanked the tens of thousands of officials across the public service – more especially in the armed forces - who worked tirelessly to stage the first State Funeral seen since democracy. Media was thanked for working with government and ensuring that the historic occasion reached billions of people worldwide.
“We have come to the end of an extraordinary 10 days of mourning. As a nation and as government, we approach this not as the end of an era but the continuation of one in which we continue to strive to build a non-racial, non-sexist and a prosperous South Africa.
“Madiba’s values and ideals must guide us as a nation as we contemplate a South Africa without his towering presence. We will continue to draw lessons from Madiba’s very rich and extraordinary life and continue with his legacy.
“May our sorrow make way for the hope he brought to our country and the world. For that, we say: Thank You, Madiba. Rest in peace,” said government.
Madiba was laid to rest at the Mandela family farm in Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
