Cape Town – The late former President Nelson Mandela remains an icon for the Turkish people, and has set an example for the world on how people from all races, religions and creeds can live together, says Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay.
Speaking to SAnews at Cape Town International Airport shortly before his departure to Johannesburg to attend the official memorial service for Madiba at the FNB stadium, Atalay said Mandela’s death had left many Turkish people deeply saddened.
Atalay is one of over 91 Heads of State and Government who have begun arriving in the country ahead of tomorrow’s memorial service.
He said Madiba, for the Turkish people, remained a huge icon of democracy and human-rights defender.
“For me personally, more than his struggle for freedom and his prison life, his achievements after he was released from prison are more important,” said Atalay, adding that the transformation Mandela created in South Africa was of great significant to the whole world.
Atalay was on a tour with the Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the south-eastern province of Gaziantep when the news broke of Madiba’s death.
He said Madiba had set one of the best examples in the world, where all races, all religions, all creeds and all colours, can live together.
“What is striking is that after 27 years in prison he came out with no animosity, no feeling of revenge and he focused on bringing people together and making them live together in harmony and peace.”
Atalay arrived in Cape Town on Sunday and, following tomorrow’s memorial service, will depart Johannesburg on Wednesday.
During his stay in Cape Town, Atalay visited the country’s oldest mosque, in Bo-Kaap, Auwal.
“They [those gathered at the mosque] told me that he attended the Friday prayers, he spoke to them, he addressed them, he prayed with them – after he was released from prison. So in a way Mandela reconciled everyone with one another,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised South Africa as one the most organised and developed countries in Africa.
Turkey continued to hold close ties with South Africa, he said, adding that many Turkish students attended universities in South Africa, made easy by the regular direct flights between the two countries.
While in Cape Town, Atalay met with Turkish business people and will meet a number of other Turkish business people while in Johannesburg.
During his stay in the city, he visited the Bo-Kaap grave and husband of the descendent of Turkish Islamic scholar Sheikh Abu Bakr Effendi, who came to Cape Town in 1862 and settled here. Atalay said the Turkish government plans to carry out renovations on the grave site soon.
The South Africa embassy in Ankara has opened a book of condolence for anyone who wishes to leave messages of condolence for Madiba. – SAnews.gov.za
