It’s been a tough
week for South Africans. With the death of former president Nelson Mandela, the
whole country got turned on its head. The country lost a much loved figure. The
world lost an icon. The world is a poorer place without him. When the news
broke of his death, I was shocked. I always knew this day will come, and when
it did, I still wasn’t ready to say goodbye to a much loved and respected
leader, father and grandfather. Many people know Tata Madiba from what they’ve
seen on TV and read in the newspapers. But there are a handful of privileged people
who had the opportunity to meet the iconic leader, I was one of them. Back in
the 90s, I was Editor of a community newspaper in the poor and struggling industrial
town of Atlantis, which is on the outskirts of Cape Town. Almost a forgotten
town hidden behind great white sand dunes. The town had its problems, like any
other poor and struggling town in South Africa. But it also had its pride and
joy. One of those was the building of a new court for the community. It might
sound bizarre that there was excitement about a new court, but it was a beacon
of hope for many as it created jobs for many in Atlantis. With the opening day
closing in, the news broke – President Nelson Mandela was going to be at the
opening! I was excited, nervous and not quite sure how to handle the situation
of such an iconic figure visiting the town. The day of the visit all
journalists had to be at the court at the break of dawn for a briefing from
security about the do’s and don’ts when meeting or photographing the President.
When he arrived at the court building, it was mayhem. Cries of joy, tears of
joy and the chanting of Viva Madiba echoing through the air. He came around and
personally shook hands with each journalist. When it was my turn, he shook my
hand, smiled and asked me “how are you doing?” with that big Madiba smile. I
almost swallowed my tongue. All I could utter was, “it’s going very well, Mr
President.” He then continued to ask me for which publication I worked for, and
when I told him I’m Editor of the local community newspaper, he took both his
hands and held it in my hand and laughed and smiled and said, “that is great to
see you here. You must enjoy your time in Atlantis.” Then he moved on. It was 2 minutes of my life I will always cherish and never forget,
ever. His death made me think of the best song for me to describe him, and for
me it’s U2’s classic song, One.
“One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other"
Rest in peace Tata Madiba, you taught us so much of
forgiveness and united a broken country. Hamba kahle, Tata Madiba…This song is for you...One by U2
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