Send your tribute to online@grocotts.co.za, SMS 082 049 2146 or drop it off at the newsroom and we will add it to this list.
Send your tribute to online@grocotts.co.za, SMS 082 049 2146 or drop it off at the newsroom and we will add it to this list.
Sharon Borman: I visited Madiba's Museum in Umthatha, a long time ago. The feeling when walking through the building gave me goosebumps, but at the same time this immense joy and thankfulness, that I couldn't define. And I knew, the struggle in Rhini wasn't in vain. We gave a portion of our lives to a great man, who layed the foundation for us to be free. Therefore and because of him, our children have better lives today. RIP Madiba, you'll remain in our heart forever and many years to come.
Bama P. Dey: Your amazing work is done may your soul rest in peace you will be forever be always remembered for great contribution you made in the whole world. Rest In Peace Nelson Rohlihlala Mandela. Your service to the human race and your fight for equality will forever be Etched in our memories.
Graeme College: Mr Mandela inspired the world. He stood for what is good and right. The Headmaster, staff and scholars of Graeme College mourn his sad passing. May his strength and integrity continue to inspire us all. May all he sacrificed for the nation never be forgotten. May the people of this nation celebrate Mr Mandela’s life and work together to make South Africa better for all who live her.
Mary Waters High School: Thank you Madiba that you lead with courage, compassion and integrity. You were an inspiration to all of us. You will always be remembered for your intense interest in education and for your love of children. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time. May God rest your soul in peace. Mary Waters High School.
Anonymous: Robala ka kgotso Tata. Ya hao tema o ekga thile hofihlela mona. Basetseng mathateng le ditsikitlanong tsa lefatshe ke ba sakang ba fumana hore na hae le tokoloho one oelwanela ka mabaka afeng. Robala ka kgotso ntate Mandela from Ramontseng's family at Mmamahabane Ventersburg Free State. Re bo hloko ka se ohlahetseng. Phepi ho ba leloko le metswalle, le lefatshe ka kakaretso. Askies mense. Hare ikoko tleleng ka tumelo. Keyona fela ekaretshidisang hahoya hlaha sesahlaheng. Modimo keyena yatsebang, ebile onalelebaka.
T.H. Funani: Madiba the legendary leader, the father of the nation silahlekelwe ngokumka kwakho tata, wanga uThixo angakugcina ecaleni kwakhe, sohlala sikukhumbula Tata ngoba akekho onje ngawe,imfundiso zakho sohlala sizisele iliso… Lala ngoxolo Madiba,Sophitsho,Ngqolomsila,Yem yem sohlala sikuthanda.
Prof P Joshi Madiba (President), Ramakrishna Institute of Spirituality & Hinduism (RISHI): A Giant amongst world giants, leaves us with the fruits of his life-long endeavours and, if eaten, will make South Africa a land of plenty for ALL. His legacy is one of striving for love and reconciliation amongst all South Africans; the South Africa he wished to see was one free of corruption, nepotism, racism and selfishness. Our real tribute to him will be to heed his teachings and wishes; otherwise we will be guilty of having offered just lip service on his passing…
Leonardo Mentoor: Tomorrow is the dawn of a new era for my fellow countrymen and fellow citizens in our Global Village. Sadly it will be the first day we all wake up and face our reality, our father, Tata Madiba is no more , but we have to find solace in the legacy he left behind. I still vividly remember, the profound influence he had on me as a young boy, growing up in the dusty roads of Scotch Farm and for the v…ery first time I could understand the true message of Madiba as it resonates through the walls of his prison. With an empty stomach and worn out shoes right there, I became enlighted and faced the harsh realities that as long as you have a book in one hand and hang on to your dignity on the other hand, you will be fine. If Madiba could do it from behind a cell door, what was stopping myself from changing my situation…absolutely nothing, but my mentality. I will forever be grateful for he gave me the wisdom to understand, u can be anyone you want to be no matter what your situation. In him I found that tenacity that would inspire me till this day not to just become the best person that I can be, but to understand the realities of life, for racial discrimination is just a small heap, compared to economical discrimination billions of people like myself had to endure for much of our lives. My one and only hero has fallen, but I promise you Madiba I will instil what I've learned from you in my daughters. Your legacy will live on and continue to inspire me till end of days. Hamba Kahle Madiba!
Rosemary Smith: Grahamstown has had its share of Madiba magic.Those of us who were privileged to have lunch with Mandela in the Albany Road recreation hall almost 20 years ago remember a man,who although just out of prison,was so well grounded and optomistic for the future that one came away inspired. His great legacy has become somewhat frayed over time.So surely this time of remembrance should reinspire us all as citizens to return to the values he held and put into practice.
Victoria Girls' High School: Farewell Madiba, you led us with dignity and grace. You embodied all that we hold dear – passion, integrity and excellence.
Paul Edey (SAC), Shelley Frayne (DSG) and Gareth Allman (Prep), St Andrew's College: We join millions of South Africans and indeed, people throughout the world, in mourning the passing of our beloved former President, Nelson Mandela. We celebrate an extraordinary life of leadership, magnanimity and reconciliation. My his passing be cause for us to reflect on the miracle that is South Africa, and to ponder on the meaning of true service, commitment and leadership. In a world of shifting values his life is a beacon of optimism to all young people in South Africa, and in the world. May we observe his passing and legacy of forgiveness and servant leadership as an opportunity to recommit to building a truly democratic South Africa where all South Africans have a stake in a country built on the principles of equality, human rights and justice. As sons of this place, let us be worthy inheritors of Nelson Mandela's legacy.
Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA): The MDDA is deeply saddened by the departure of our hero, legend, icon, freedom fighter, isiThwalandwe President Nelson Mandela. President Mandela presided over the establishment of Comtask (Communication Task Group) led by the Deputy President Mbeki which recommended the establishment of the MDDA. Mandela led SA to lead in respect of media freedom and promoting media diversity. MDDA joins the world, fellow South Africans, Madiba family, abaThembu in saluting and mourning the death of our statesman, our former President Nelson Mandela. Mandela will be remembered as a champion of media freedom and diversity, and the remarkable work that he has done in the reconstruction and development of South Africa. We acknowledge his commitment to freedom, human dignity and his determination to fight for all South Africans. He led the collapse of apartheid, reconciliation and led the nation into a non-racial, non-sexist, equality for all and democratic future. The MDDA would like to convey its deepest and heartfelt condolences to Mrs Machel, the Mandela family, the people of South Africa and the African continent. We have lost our father, ulufezile olwakho ugqatso. Lala ngoxolo Madiba, Dlomo, Sopitsho, Ngqolomsila, Yhem-yhem, Mtande, Mthembu, Diba elihle. Sibamba ngazibini, Siyabulela