Spirit of Madiba lives on in Cape Town

Loyiso Langeni
12 December 2013

Thousands of people flocked to the Cape Town Stadium to celebrate the life of the late Former President Nelson Mandela on Wednesday. Madiba died at his Johannesburg home on Thursday evening, at the age of 95.

The function started with performances from various local artists which was followed by the National Anthem where the crowed sung in unity.

 

 

Chairperson of the African National Congress in the Western Cape Marius Fransman saluted the former icon for the role he played in the struggle and uniting the people of South Africa.

Fransman said we remember you as a freedom fighter, a revolutionary, activist and the father of the nation. The spirit of tata Mandela is already affecting us, let’s continue emulating his legacy.

The atmosphere was joyous with several people holding placards of Madiba, with many wearing Madiba t-shirts chanting Rolihlahla.

After MC Shado Twala opened the service, Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille took the podium where she described Mandela as a leader, a visionary and the very best among us.

 

 

“I say that we must choose to live hope, I say that we must choose to live in the world of the vision of Mandela, I say we must make Tata Madiba to live forever in our efforts to make South Africa a country he will be proud of” De Lille added.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille told the crowd of her privilege of seeing Madiba earlier in the day as he laid in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. She opened the stage by singing a struggle song “uMadiba abazenge bam’mbone,”

Zille said Madiba was in peace and his face symbolized what South Africa has become, one nation at peace with ourselves and the world, one nation building one future.

Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel closed by saying Madiba belonged to all of us and we will celebrate him together as the spirit of Madiba lives inside us all.