Pretoria – Peace, forgiveness, caring, justice and equality for all – these are the values that President Jacob Zuma says South Africans should hold on to from former President Nelson Mandela’s teachings.
President Zuma was addressing those gathered at the Bryanston Methodist Church in Johannesburg, to honour and celebrate the late President’s life through praise and worship.
Zuma had designated today as the National Day of Prayer and Reflection to give South Africans and the rest of the world a chance to come together to pray for Madiba. The 95-year-old former statesman passed away on Thursday, 5 December at his Houghton home after a lengthy battle with a lung infection.
“We should not forget the values that Madiba stood for and sacrificed his life for. He stood for freedom, he fought against those who oppressed others... He actively participated to remove the oppressor to liberate the people of this country. When our struggle came to an end, he preached and practised reconciliation to make those who had been fighting to forgive one another and become one nation,” Zuma said.
He said the day of prayer was also meant for the nation to heal after the fall of the colossus that is Madiba. People from all walks of life have been showing their support for the Mandela family and in deed their gratitude and love for Mandela. Crowds have been gathering outside his Houghton home and old home at Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where there has been an outpouring of emotion to celebrate and honour Madiba’s life.
Similar prayer services are being held throughout the country.
Members of the Mandela family, including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Chief Mandla Mandela, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize were among those present at the church service.
Mandela will be laid to rest in Qunu on Sunday, 15 December. – SAnews.gov.za
