The five-year anniversary of the death of former statesman Nelson Mandela was marked with a walk of remembrance in Qunu on Wednesday.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries who included Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, AbaTembu acting king Azenathi Dalindyebo, legislature deputy speaker Mlibo Qoboshiyane and sports, recreation arts & culture MEC Bulelwa Tunyiswa.
Tunyiswa led a crowd of community members, who walked the 5km distance from Madiba’s Qunu home to the Nelson Mandela Museum, also in Qunu.
Masualle, who gave the main address at the event, said Mandela was “a son of these valleys and hills, a freedom fighter and revolutionary”.
“[He was] a champion of universal human rights and one of the founding fathers of our democratic order. We mark this occasion not for nostalgia’s sake but we do so as a symbol of our national thanksgiving for a life well lived, a life of purpose that touched so many, that challenged convention and won the hearts and minds of even his critics and forever changed the world for the better,” he said.
Masualle said Madiba was and still remained a figurehead of stability of the country’s fledgling democracy.
“It was Madiba who made us all appreciate the gravity of the infrastructure deficit this province is still grappling with today, particularly the lack of adequate schools and sanitation in some of the far reaches of our vast province,” he added.
There was a lighting of a flame and prayer for Madiba at the museum.
Nelson Mandela Museum spokesperson Fumanekile Wisana said the walk was also about reminding everyone about the statesman’s values.
“We wanted to make sure that his ideas, values and principles are lived even until this day. We need to use his philosophy as guides.
“There is also geographical importance because inkaba yakhe is here and this is where he has been laid to rest.”
Tunyiswa said the event was to commemorate the passing of a legend, a man who was larger than life, while at the same time celebrating Madiba’s massive contribution to attainment of freedom and democracy in South Africa.
“It is important to note that Madiba was a revolutionary, a freedom fighter and the first commander-in-chief of the democratic Republic of South Africa.
“Madiba also contributed immensely to peace and unity in Africa and the rest of the world, hence the globe is abuzz with commemorative events dedicated to his wonderful life and legacy,” said Tunyiswa.
She said Madiba accepted the consequences of his actions, knowing that standing up to powerful interests and injustice carried a price.
“We might never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again, but it is in our hands to make the world a better place to live and work in,” she said...