Mandela legacy of namesakes

From children to parks, streets and bridges, Madiba’s name lives on around world.

THE legend of the late former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela will continue to live on through his name, not only in South Africa but throughout the world.

People from across the globe plan to carry Nelson Mandela’s name forward through naming their children after him.

Olawoyin Ibukun from Lagos, Nigeria did not think twice about naming his son after Mandela when he was born on July 18 last year, the same day as Madiba’s birthday. He named his son Olawoyin Oluwademilade Emmanuel Mandela.

Ibukun said he was lucky to have lived in the time of Mandela.

“Mandela didn’t only put an end to apartheid but also taught me how to forgive … He is the second Jesus Christ,” the 33-year-old said.

“I want my child to be strong and live in the same legacy of Mandela.”

On the other side of the world, 11 years ago in Los Angeles in the US, a mixed race couple, Madras and Tejashri Karthik, gave their son, born in October 2002, the middle name, Mandela.

Born in October 2002, They named him Ocean Mandela Milan.

“We are a mixed race couple and to us, Mandela … represented our diversity, the ability for there to be shared power between blacks and whites in South Africa was, to us, like our ability to love and have a child, Karthik said.

He added that over the years his son had learnt a lot about Mandela from reading his autobiographies.

“My son wears the name with pride and honour and we are all proud that our son will carry the name of Mandela well into the 21st century,” the 47-year-old said.

After the passing of the world icon last Thursday, many people on Twitter expressed the need to name their children after Madiba.

Joseph Muraya from Nairobi tweeted: “After consultation with my heart, I have decided that I will name my son Madiba.”#loveforMandela.”

“I’m going to name my son Mohamed Rolihlahla. Madiba would be so proud,” tweeted Shahan Abrey.

Another tweeted: “I’m gonna give my coming-soon son the name of Tata Madiba, Nelson.”

But Mandela’s name is not only restricted to children, there are many places, locally and internationally, named after him.

Parks, monuments, universities, stadiums, bursaries and bridges across the world carry the name of Mandela:

lA municipality called “Mandela” in the province of Rome; called “Mandela”

lA road in London named “Mandela Way”;

lNelson Mandela Human Rights Park in Punta del Este in the province Moldanado, Uruguay;

lNelson and Winnie Mandela Plaza in New York City;

lNelson Mandela Elementary School in East St Louis, Illinois, US;

lAvenue du President Nelson Mandela in Arcueil, Paris, France.

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