By Refilwe Boikanyo
Yesterday Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid hero and former president of South Africa, died at the age of 95. South Africans have been gathering outside the Mandela’s Houghton residence to pay their respects, since President Jacob Zuma announced to the nation that Mandela died at 8.50pm on Thursday. uTata, as he his fondly referred to by many, will be remembered for his unrelenting pursuit for racial equality, as well as his ability to forgive and unite the nation. Below the SA Home Owner team shares their fondest memories, favourite quotes, inspiring thoughts and sends their condolences to the Father of our nation.
Editor Kerry Hayes says, “Nelson Mandela is part of the DNA of our nation, our heritage. His memory will carry on through generations to come; his life has and will continue to inspire the world. We will miss you Madiba, thank you for your vision and love for our nation.”
Deputy Editor Trisha Harinath says, “I remember the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison – I watched him walk next to Winnie, waving at everybody. Being just six at that time, I didn’t quite understand exactly the impact that moment would have on my life – that because of that very moment, I would be able to experience a life that generations before me could only dream of. Today as a South African I live a free life because of one man – a man who put an entire nation before him; a man who had a vision and fought so hard so that we could all experience his vision of a better tomorrow; a man who never gave up on his people. Let us continue with his legacy by living his dream for a free and fair South Africa – what better way to show him that his life was not lived in vain. You will always be forever in our hearts Tata – you are the heartbeat of this nation.”
Business Manger Claire Morgan says, “I love Mandela’s humility. In a quote on his death he said: ‘It would be very egotistical of me to say how I would like to be remembered. I’d leave that entirely to South Africans.’ And that is typical of him – his life was not for himself but for the freedom of South Africans. He was a man of great wisdom and leadership, and someone to whom this country is forever indebted. I read on a friend’s Facebook post: ‘He is not dead, but has merely passed on’.”
National Sales Manager Christell Bisett says she will always remember this Madiba quote: “Living isn’t just about doing for yourself, but what you do for others as well”.
Digital Projects Manager Shereen Lurie says, “As we mourn the loss of one of the world’s greatest leaders and icons, my hope is that we continue to fulfill his ideals and uphold his profound legacy by rooting out corruption and caring for the less fortunate. R.I.P. Madiba.”
Features Writer Tshegofatso Letshwiti says,“R.I.P. Tata Mandela – a father to the nation and hero. You will forever remain in our hearts. We thank you for your selfless contribution to our freedom.”
Production Coordinator Letha Ntsangani says he will always cherish this Nelson Mandela quote from his Inaugural Address: “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world”.
- How will you remember Madiba? Tell us in the comments section below.
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