I remember clearly the day that the world watched as one of the most influencial leaders in the world took his first steps as a free man in 27 years. It was 1990 and I was 8. My parents called us in from our garden to watch on the small, grainy TV with "bunny ears" that we had on the farm. They said that this was a moment in history that we shouldn't forget. Watching Nelson and Winne Mandela walk hand in hand with fists raised high on national TV was something so unique and different to me that I remember feeling slightly nervous of what would happen next and I now, as an adult, know that I wasn't alone. What ensued was beyond what anyone could have imagined. The unparalleled forgiveness, kindness and courage that he displayed is a shining example for us all and is what has made this country what it is today. Or at least, what we strive to be.
6 Years later I was lucky enough to see Madiba in the flesh. Our school concert band accompained a thousand strong choir made up of learners from all the schools in our area. I will never forget the resounding sound of the beautiful voices and words that raised the roof that day like a victory march. Idonga se Jericho was the one song that even made the floorboards shake! Reading up on the song now, it seems that it was a reference to the fall of Apartheid - no wonder the floorboards got a good stomping ;-)
On Friday we as South African's woke up to the news that our fearless leader, Tata, had left us. Many had once again feared this day. Naysayers predicted that this day would be the undoing of all the good that has taken place since '94. The father of our nation may have left us in spirit but I can't but help believe that we are stronger than the doomsdayers predict because the memory of him will live on in our hearts and minds for decades to come.
Goodbye and God Bless Madiba - thank you for all that you did for us.
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