Thursday, December 5, 2013

People remember Nelson Mandela!

 Tribute to a Great Man.

 Goodbye Madiba!

 Bantu bakithi, I am heartbroken. But also very proud and thankful to have had the privilege of witnessing the works of a true hero in this lifetime!

I still get goose bumps just thinking back on the incredible experience of Madiba's inauguration....

We traveled all the way from Zim to be a part of that remarkable piece of History. Just to be in and around Pretoria and eJoza  and participate in that carnival atmosphere. (Much like when my Indy co-workers went to Miami "for the Superbowl" to support their much adored Colts, and not one of my friends possessed a match ticket!)

I still hear the thundering, rhythmic beat of thousands of feet marching up the stairs into Ellis Stadium.
I see millions of Africans of all color, belief and creed, swaying about, unabashedly delirious with freedom at last.
Freedom after a long, long walk from Robeen Island!

I can still taste the sweat and tears of joy freely flowing and spattering about from glistening and animated bodies all around me.
I am still pleasantly haunted by the sound of the people's proud war cry: AMANDLA! AMANDLA! NGAWETHU!

May the Almighty guide South Africans and the world in this moment of great trying.

When a family is trying to grieve in dignity and say goodbye to a great man amid intense international scrutiny and intrusion.

When world leaders, great and small, good and evil, will try to use the stage of Madiba's passing to gain some recognition, cleanse their infamy and notoriety, or seek some sort of perverted personal glory.

When all manner of media and their Gurus will do ANYTHING to boost their own image and ratings, even if it means disrespecting the dearly departed and ignoring Amasiko.

Lala ngokuthula Baba weSizwe.


by Dr Juliet Ndebele.
 

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