His long walk to freedom came to an end exactly a year ago today. But his spirit will forever walk on in the hearts and soul of an entire nation. Today we reflect on the hero, the legacy, the president and the man who made this country what it is.
Today the country will honor his memory in one of many ways:
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has requested people to donate bought books to local libraries, especially in disadvantaged areas as part of a campaign to pay tribute to our fallen father and his love of giving back to the children of this country.
There will be a wreath laying ceremony today at the Nelson Mandela statue from eight in the morning outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Individuals are invited to lay their own wreaths throughout the day after veterans of the struggle and those that fought along side him lay the first wreaths.
The whole country from schools, factories, businesses, churches, people at home or in their cars are expected to make noise for three minutes and seven seconds just before ten this morning. Ring bells, hoot your horns, scream and chant, and make noise for our father before three minutes of silence will be observed from ten. The time lapse from the signal before and after ten is exactly six minutes and seven seconds – ’67’ – the symbolic number of years Mandela gave to this country to get its freedom. After the end of silence, we are all asked to sing the national anthem.
You can wear your Madiba gear. One of his favourite shirts perhaps or any memorabilia you have. Take a photo and post it on social media. With the hashtag #RememberMandela. You can also share your memories, famous quotes and pictures you had with our late Tata with the same hashtag or be apart of the ‘Where were you?’ campaign and post where you were during his key milestones.
His legacy will live on. Viva Madiba! Viva!
