Madiba Magic Forever

RIP Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Madiba's passing was bittersweet. We knew his health had been critical for a number of months and that his life would slowly come to an end. I think most people experienced the same feelings of relief and disbelief when the news of his departure broke. 

City Hall, Cape Town, 6 December 2013

A few years from now, people will ask; "Where were you when you heard the news of Madiba's passing?". My answer will be; "In my bed, chatting on Whatsapp with my boyfriend. My boyfriend sent me three words; 'Madiba died hun.'. As quickly as I could process what I had just read, I switched on my TV and watched in silence as my eyes welled up with tears, as president Zuma announced that our beloved Mandela passed away in his Houghton home at 20:50 on 5 December. A deep sense of sadness enveloped me as I watched the news until 02:00 the following morning.

Two little girls representing the change

 It touched me to see how gently president Zuma broke the news. It felt like Madiba was my own blood relative and that he was part of my family. A tear rolled down my face, as I realised once again what a magnificent contribution Madiba had made, what a force he was and what a loss have suffered.

There is nothing I can say about Madiba that has not been said by counless others. So I reiterate;  He was a man with a purpose, a father to a nation, a son to his father and he lived selflessly, putting South Africans, his family of 52 million people first. He was a man. He was a great man.

Celebration of a legend

I give God all the honour for the life of this legend. Thank You God for sending Your best Freedom Fighter turned, Peace Maker, to prepare the ground and plant the seeds of true Freedom in South Africa. I believe there will be another valliant person with the same passion, by Your grace. I am just not sure if I will be alive to see it.

RIP Madiba, your magic will never fade. Madiba Magic Lives.

For a summarised version of his biography, click here to visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Paying my respects