POLITICAL leaders and ordinary South Africans on Sunday reflected on the values of Nelson Mandela, who died last Thursday aged 95, as South Africa prepared for an influx of at least 70 world leaders for memorial services to be held this week.
The values Mr Mandela epitomised in his long life of struggle — such as nonracialism, reconciliation and service to the people — were praised as the country spent a day in prayer to celebrate the life of the anti-apartheid icon.
Preparations are now under way for one of the largest and high-profile burials the world has witnessed in recent history, with heads of state and dignitaries expected to descend on South Africa from across the globe to mourn the passing of the country’s first democratic president.
Topping the bill will be US president Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, as well as three former US presidents — Jimmy Carter, George W Bush and Bill Clinton, and their wives.
The government said at the weekend Mr Mandela’s coffin would be taken through the streets of Pretoria in a cortege every morning from Wednesday to Friday. He will lie in state at the Union Buildings after the main memorial service tomorrow at the 94,000-seat FNB Stadium.
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the South African National Defence Force has cancelled all leave to have more than 11,000 soldiers to help with logistical and security arrangements for the memorial and funeral services this week.
There would be some no-fly zones. The plan was being developed by the Department of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority and the air force.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said that world leaders were making their way to South Africa at such short notice reflected the special place "President Nelson Mandela holds in the hearts of people around the globe. We are touched by the fact that many countries have declared periods of mourning, ordered that flags be flown at half-mast and draped or lit landmarks in the colours of the South African flag."
The heads of 13 African states have confirmed their attendance, in addition to 15 from outside the continent, Mr Chabane said.
International and regional organisations, such as the United Nations, European Commission, and African Union had also confirmed attendance.
African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing hundreds of people at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg yesterday, said the greatest tribute to the anti-apartheid icon would be to emulate his life by picking up the baton and living the way he did.
"What Nelson Mandela means to me was that I should dedicate my life, whatever I do, to be a servant of the people like he was a servant of the people and that is what we should be asking ourselves as South Africans.
"One of the key things ... cadres must do is service to the people of South Africa, it must be discipline, it must be honesty, it must be living your life as a political leader in an upright manner, it must be living your life in the service of the people ... that is what Nelson Mandela would have wanted from all of us as leaders of the ANC."
Mr Ramaphosa said, even in death, Mr Mandela’s life lit the way for South Africans and also helped them through preparing them for his death.
Mr Ramaphosa apologised for the absence of President Jacob Zuma at the event.
Mr Zuma had spoken earlier at the Bryanston Methodist Church, describing Mr Mandela as one who not only fought oppression, but who also preached and lived peace and reconciliation.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize, Mr Mandela’s grandson, Mandla, and former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela attended the service.
Mr Zuma urged South Africans to reflect on Mr Mandela’s legacy and its effect on South Africa. While Mr Mandela was hailed as a fighter, it was also important to remember his spirit of reconciliation and peace.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe focused on the quality, Mr Mandela fought hardest for, that of non-racialism, saying it would become a reality in South Africa. All "unscientific and superstitious views shall be corrected in the goodness of time", he said.
Mr Motlanthe delivered his tribute before a 7,000-strong congregation of the Grace Bible church in Pimville in Soweto.
Mr Motlanthe said Mr Mandela’s 27 years of imprisonment communicated to all South Africans "that nothing is impossible".
"Everything is possible for as long as you have conviction ."
Mr Mandela and those in his generation of ANC leaders personified unity in diversity and were magnanimous, Mr Motlanthe said. The Robben Island warders who looked after them were surprised that "these courageous leaders did not respond with bitterness".
"When (Mandela) came out of prison many who had been inspired by the lessons of his life, his tenacity, determination and fortitude worshipped him like a saint. And Madiba said no, I’m not a saint, I’m a sinner who keeps on trying," said Mr Motlanthe, to applause.
On Saturday, at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory, long-time friend George Bizos said while he would miss Madiba, he had to accept the inevitable. He urged those punting the qualities of Mr Mandela now to make sure that they were properly informed of what he did first and then seek to emulate him.
"Those who say they will follow his example must inform themselves about what he did," Mr Bizos said. "He gave one-third of his salary to the Children’s Fund and so many other things. He was not concerned about his private position but what was good for the country ."
News in South Africa ahead of Mr Mandela’s death was dominated by corruption in the construction industry and the furore over Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s report on R206m of security upgrades to Mr Zuma’s Nkandla private residence.
Mr Bizos said he would attend a function at the University of Witwatersrand this week and would also be in Qunu for the burial.
With Sapa
A mourner takes photos of a brick wall at the house of Nelson Mandela in Soweto on Saturday. Picture: REUTERS
POLITICAL leaders and ordinary South Africans on Sunday reflected on the values of Nelson Mandela, who died last Thursday aged 95, as South Africa prepared for an influx of at least 70 world leaders for memorial services to be held this week.
The values Mr Mandela epitomised in his long life of struggle — such as nonracialism, reconciliation and service to the people — were praised as the country spent a day in prayer to celebrate the life of the anti-apartheid icon.
Preparations are now under way for one of the largest and high-profile burials the world has witnessed in recent history, with heads of state and dignitaries expected to descend on South Africa from across the globe to mourn the passing of the country’s first democratic president.
Topping the bill will be US president Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, as well as three former US presidents — Jimmy Carter, George W Bush and Bill Clinton, and their wives.
The government said at the weekend Mr Mandela’s coffin would be taken through the streets of Pretoria in a cortege every morning from Wednesday to Friday. He will lie in state at the Union Buildings after the main memorial service tomorrow at the 94,000-seat FNB Stadium.
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the South African National Defence Force has cancelled all leave to have more than 11,000 soldiers to help with logistical and security arrangements for the memorial and funeral services this week.
There would be some no-fly zones. The plan was being developed by the Department of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority and the air force.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said that world leaders were making their way to South Africa at such short notice reflected the special place "President Nelson Mandela holds in the hearts of people around the globe. We are touched by the fact that many countries have declared periods of mourning, ordered that flags be flown at half-mast and draped or lit landmarks in the colours of the South African flag."
The heads of 13 African states have confirmed their attendance, in addition to 15 from outside the continent, Mr Chabane said.
International and regional organisations, such as the United Nations, European Commission, and African Union had also confirmed attendance.
African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing hundreds of people at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg yesterday, said the greatest tribute to the anti-apartheid icon would be to emulate his life by picking up the baton and living the way he did.
"What Nelson Mandela means to me was that I should dedicate my life, whatever I do, to be a servant of the people like he was a servant of the people and that is what we should be asking ourselves as South Africans.
"One of the key things ... cadres must do is service to the people of South Africa, it must be discipline, it must be honesty, it must be living your life as a political leader in an upright manner, it must be living your life in the service of the people ... that is what Nelson Mandela would have wanted from all of us as leaders of the ANC."
Mr Ramaphosa said, even in death, Mr Mandela’s life lit the way for South Africans and also helped them through preparing them for his death.
Mr Ramaphosa apologised for the absence of President Jacob Zuma at the event.
Mr Zuma had spoken earlier at the Bryanston Methodist Church, describing Mr Mandela as one who not only fought oppression, but who also preached and lived peace and reconciliation.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize, Mr Mandela’s grandson, Mandla, and former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela attended the service.
Mr Zuma urged South Africans to reflect on Mr Mandela’s legacy and its effect on South Africa. While Mr Mandela was hailed as a fighter, it was also important to remember his spirit of reconciliation and peace.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe focused on the quality, Mr Mandela fought hardest for, that of non-racialism, saying it would become a reality in South Africa. All "unscientific and superstitious views shall be corrected in the goodness of time", he said.
Mr Motlanthe delivered his tribute before a 7,000-strong congregation of the Grace Bible church in Pimville in Soweto.
Mr Motlanthe said Mr Mandela’s 27 years of imprisonment communicated to all South Africans "that nothing is impossible".
"Everything is possible for as long as you have conviction ."
Mr Mandela and those in his generation of ANC leaders personified unity in diversity and were magnanimous, Mr Motlanthe said. The Robben Island warders who looked after them were surprised that "these courageous leaders did not respond with bitterness".
"When (Mandela) came out of prison many who had been inspired by the lessons of his life, his tenacity, determination and fortitude worshipped him like a saint. And Madiba said no, I’m not a saint, I’m a sinner who keeps on trying," said Mr Motlanthe, to applause.
On Saturday, at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory, long-time friend George Bizos said while he would miss Madiba, he had to accept the inevitable. He urged those punting the qualities of Mr Mandela now to make sure that they were properly informed of what he did first and then seek to emulate him.
"Those who say they will follow his example must inform themselves about what he did," Mr Bizos said. "He gave one-third of his salary to the Children’s Fund and so many other things. He was not concerned about his private position but what was good for the country ."
News in South Africa ahead of Mr Mandela’s death was dominated by corruption in the construction industry and the furore over Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s report on R206m of security upgrades to Mr Zuma’s Nkandla private residence.
Mr Bizos said he would attend a function at the University of Witwatersrand this week and would also be in Qunu for the burial.
With Sapa
