“Rarely in history do we observe the extent and kind of grief that we see for Tatomkhulu Mandela,” said Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, quoted in a media statement from the University this morning.
“Rarely in history do we observe the extent and kind of grief that we see for Tatomkhulu Mandela,” said Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, quoted in a media statement from the University this morning.
University staff have been invited to gather in front of the Administration Building (Clock Tower) at 10.45am today to be addressed by the Vice-Chancellor and other university staff.
President Jacob Zuma announced last night the death of the founding President of democratic South Africa. He made the announcement on national radio and television shortly before midnight, telling a shocked nation that Mandela had passed away peacefully in the company of his family at his home around 8.50pm on Thursday, 5 December 2013.
Former President Mandela is an alumnus of Rhodes University, through the award on 6 April 2002 of an honorary Doctorate. Mandela also sanctioned the university's Nelson Mandela Chair in Politics, which today is awarded to outstanding visiting professors. In 2006 a Hall of four student residences was named the Nelson Mandela Hall.
According to the Rhodes statement, Madiba spent a few days at the University in 2007, accompanying his wife Graca Machel when she received an honorary doctorate from the University. His last visit was in 2009, when he attended his grandson’s graduation ceremony. He encouraged Rhodes to continue connecting respectfully with local communities and the Eastern Cape.
"He inspired many around the world including our own students and alumni through his principled leadership, humility and his unwavering commitment to social justice and reconciliation," Badat said.
"Few people in our time have symbolised the spirit of freedom and courage so well as this figure of monumental integrity and humanity… We knew that he would eventually leave us but Madiba’s passing still fills us with great sorrow."
"Rhodes University extends its deepest condolences to Graca Machel, and the children, extended family and comrades of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on their sad loss. Their loss is also the loss of the entire South African people and freedom-loving people around the world," the statement said.
The University has pledged to observe any declared public holidays for mourning and commemoration. It will also hold a memorial service to officially mourn the passing of former President Mandela. An official delegation will represent the University at the state funeral.
All flags of the Republic of South Africa are being lowered to half-mast from today, 6 December, and will remain at half-mast until after the funeral.
There were fears for Mandela’s life earlier this year when he spent almost three months in hospital with a recurring lung infection. He was later transferred to his home in Houghton, Johannesburg when his condition appeared to have stabilised.
In the ensuing weeks, the Presidency issued a series of almost identical statements saying that Mandela was in a serious but stable condition, while the international and national media camped outside his house on a permanent vigil.
The next edition of Grocott’s Mail will carry a full supplement celebrating the life of the man who dedicated his whole life to the people of this country and taking a closer look at his connections with Grahamstown.
We invite readers to write in and share with us their feelings about the passing of our beloved leader, and let us know if you had a personal experience with him.
You can send your condolences to Grocott's Mail's SMS line at 082 049 2146 or email them to online@grocott's.co.za. We will post them on this website, where we will carry news and information about the mourning period and funeral of Nelson Mandela.
Hamba Kahle, Tata.
