“In the valleys of Mbashe, in the rivers and in the flowers, in all the world there is sadness.” Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali spoke in rich imagery and metaphors as he addressed a crowd of around 600 staff and students at a gathering at the Rhodes University clock tower on Friday 6 December to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.
“In the valleys of Mbashe, in the rivers and in the flowers, in all the world there is sadness.” Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali spoke in rich imagery and metaphors as he addressed a crowd of around 600 staff and students at a gathering at the Rhodes University clock tower on Friday 6 December to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.
President Jacob Zuma announced the death of his predecessor on Thursday night. He made the statement on national radio and television shortly before midnight, saying that Mandela had passed away peacefully in the company of his family at his home around 8.50pm on Thursday, 5 December 2013.
“Mandela’s lengthy sickness prepared us for his passing,” the Bishop said, directing his listeners to honouring his legacy.
“We remember him not only as the person who paved the way to democracy in South Africa, but as a person of forgiveness.”
He quoted from the Bible verses, Matthew 18:21-22: “Then Peter came to Jesus and said, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
The 11am gathering, attended mainly by Rhodes University staff and their families, and some students, was also addressed by Rhodes SRC liaison Eric Ofei, chair of the local branch of the National Tertiary Educators Union Oscar Eybers, Nehawu shop steward Phili Ngxitho, Rhodes Dean of Students Dr Vivian de Klerk, Distinguished Professor Paul Maylam and vice-chancellor Saleem Badat, with deputy vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela as MC.
Among other the announcements made were that the university’s counselling centre would be open for grieving staff and students. A Rhodes delegation will attend the funeral in Qunu on Sunday. The University will also host a memorial service.
In a brief interview with Grocott’s Mail afterwards, the Bishop shared a personal encounter with Mandela during one of his visits to the city.
“Mfundisi,” Mandela had addressed Ntlali, who was Archdeacon at Grahamstown’s Cathedral of St Michael and St George at the time. “You know, when I close my eyes in the sleep of death, I visualise a South Africa where all is happy, loving and peaceful."
According to Dean of the Cathedral, Andrew Hunter, the Cathedral will host an interdenominational memorial service for Mandela on Monday 9 December at 11am.
“Messages and condolences will be read out and the bells will be rung,” Hunter told Grocott’s Mail on Friday.
The climax of the service will be the formation of a human chain, from the University clock tower to Joza.
Hunter said the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown would also be sending a delegation to Mandela’s funeral at Qunu on Sunday 15 December.
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, tweet @Grocotts or email them to online@grocotts.co.za. We will post them on the Grocott's Mail website, which will carry news and information about the mourning period and funeral of Nelson Mandela.
