Pretoria – Although it has been almost a week since the passing of former President Nelson Mandela, for many South Africans, the reality that the beloved statesman is no more only sank in on Wednesday when they saw his remains at the Union Buildings.
Madiba’s remains will lie in state at the Amphitheatre -- which has been renamed after him -- at the Union Buildings until Friday.
People arrived in their numbers in the early hours of the morning in order to be among the first members of the public to see Mandela. Those who had managed to get a quick view of Madiba emerged with mixed feelings ranging from sadness to a deep sense of gratitude.
Mirriam Mncube, 68, from Sausville said although she was sad that her hero had passed, she was also happy that Mandela was finally resting, as he had been sick for a long time.
“I was very sad when I looked at him lying there, saying nothing and it was difficult for me to accept that it’s the same man who was full of life. However, I’m happy I’ve come because I wouldn’t have peace if I didn’t have this opportunity.
“This is the place where we all came to celebrate his inauguration and I’m happy that government also chose this place and gave us an opportunity to say our goodbyes here,” said Mncube.
Portia Qubeka from Orlando West and her friend, Kuki Kgaphola, from Hillbrow in Johannesburg, said they struggled to sleep last night after watching the Memorial Service yesterday.
“We were watching the memorial service on TV and just told ourselves that we are going to Pretoria tomorrow. That was the best decision we’ve made and we are happy after seeing him. It looked like he was going to wake up and smile at us. I was even tempted to touch the coffin but the police wouldn’t have allowed it.
“After seeing him, the mood inside the bus changed. It was so quiet, and no one spoke until we arrived back here [Pretoria Show Grounds]. On our way to the Union Buildings, we were all singing and celebrating his life but now we are convinced that he is gone and we can find peace. South Africa will never be the same without him, we will miss him,” said Qubeka.
Johannes Moabolo from Atteridgeville said he was not looking forward to Sunday, the day of the funeral.
“I’m so sad and miss him already. It’s going to take some time to get used to life without Madiba, but I’m happy I was fortunate to see him for the last time. What I’ll miss the most is his beautiful smile and his dance. He was really a God-sent and South Africa was blessed to have him,” said Moabolo fighting back tears.
Madiba will be laid to rest at his home village in Qunu in the Eastern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
