THOUSANDS of residents from all corners of Buffalo City Metro gathered at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane to bid Madiba farewell.
ANC colours dominated as the joyous crowd celebrated the life of a struggle hero.
The stadium was packed with young and old, with residents travelling from Dimbaza, Nahoon, Duncan Village and West Bank to view the funeral on a big screen.
Duncan Village resident Nombeko Deke, 68, was among the thousands who gathered at the stadium.
“We have lost an icon and a great man, that is why we are all gathered here to give him the respect he deserves.”
Taxis and buses were used to transport all those who wished to watch the funeral service at the public viewing areas organised by the provincial government.
Waving the South African flag high, Southernwood resident Dalithemba Luwaca said he had enjoyed being out with people who had the same respect for Mandela.
“Bringing people together like this was a great idea. It has given us a chance to reflect on our society and share different ideas with different people,” Luwaca said.
Cobus van Dyk from Nahoon said being in the crowd was a way of showing his last respects to Madiba.
“He did amazing things – he represented the picture of Jesus in society through reconciliation and forgiveness and that was precious.
“As white people who experienced apartheid, we were also freed from fear when he became the president, and today we are all free to be friends with anyone we like, regardless of their skin colour,” Van Dyk said. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Madiba continues to unite people even in death
ANC colours dominated as the joyous crowd celebrated the life of a struggle hero.
The stadium was packed with young and old, with residents travelling from Dimbaza, Nahoon, Duncan Village and West Bank to view the funeral on a big screen.
Duncan Village resident Nombeko Deke, 68, was among the thousands who gathered at the stadium.
“We have lost an icon and a great man, that is why we are all gathered here to give him the respect he deserves.”
Taxis and buses were used to transport all those who wished to watch the funeral service at the public viewing areas organised by the provincial government.
Waving the South African flag high, Southernwood resident Dalithemba Luwaca said he had enjoyed being out with people who had the same respect for Mandela.
“Bringing people together like this was a great idea. It has given us a chance to reflect on our society and share different ideas with different people,” Luwaca said.
Cobus van Dyk from Nahoon said being in the crowd was a way of showing his last respects to Madiba.
“He did amazing things – he represented the picture of Jesus in society through reconciliation and forgiveness and that was precious.
“As white people who experienced apartheid, we were also freed from fear when he became the president, and today we are all free to be friends with anyone we like, regardless of their skin colour,” Van Dyk said. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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