Zuma Booed | Calls for Mbeki

President Zuma Booed at Madiba Memorial

South African President Jacob Zuma took the stand to deliver his eulogy to the sound of boos from the crowd. Yesterday mourners attending the memorial service held for former South African president Nelson Mandela voiced their disapproval of incumbent president Jacob Zuma, calling for former president Thabo Mbeki to take the stand instead.

ANC leaders have called call this display a disgrace in front of visiting world leaders, at a time when the focus was on honouring Mandela.

But was this display not in the spirit of Madiba? Everyone present at the event was there to honour and remember Mandela. It was an emotionally charged day, in an emotionally charged week. Had Nelson Mandela been there in body as well as spirit, he would surely have said "Let the people speak".

Mandela Magic | Obama and Castro Shake Hands

Mandela Magic from Beyond the Grave

US President Barak Obama yesterday (10 December 2013) shook hands with Cuban leader Raul Castro. Appropriately this gesture of friendship took place during the memorial service held for former South African president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Photo from telegraph.co.uk

How fitting this gesture was at this time. Nelson Mandela became a world symbol for peace and reconciliation after his release from 27 years as a political prisoner under the old apartheid government of South. On his release Mandela, known to the world as Madiba, extended the hand of reconciliation to his former enemies. Mandela believed in freedom and equality for all people, regardless of race, creed or gender.

Siyabonga kakhulu uTata

Siyabonga kakhulu uTata - Farewell Madiba

We regret the passing of one of South Africa's greatest sons, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and wish to express our sincere condolences to those left behind; uTata's children, wife, his family and all South Africans everywhere. 

We cannot write words that are good enough to pay sufficient tribute! Instead we simply offer the words that meant so much to uBaba throughout his life...

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika

Nkosi, sikelel' iAfrika;
Malupakam'upondo lwayo;
Yiva imitandazo yetu
Usisikelele.

Chorus

Yihla Moya, Yihla Moya,
Yihla Moya Oyingcwele

Sikelela iNkosi zetu;
Zimkumbule umDali wazo;
Zimoyike zezimhlouele,
Azisikelele.

Sikelel' amadol' esizwe,
Sikelela kwa nomlisela
Ulitwal'ilizwe ngomonde,
Uwusikilele.

Sikelel'amakosikazi;
Nawo onk'amanenekazi;
Pakamisa wonk'umtinjana
Uwusikilele.

Sikelela abafundisi
Bemvaba zonke zelilizwe;
Ubatwese ngoMoya Wako
Ubasikelele.

Sikelel'ulimo nemfuyo;
Gxota zonk'indlala nezifo;
Zalisa ilizwe ngempilo
Ulisikelele

Sikelel'amalinga etu
Awomanyana nokuzaka,
Awemfundo nemvisiswano
Uwasikelele.


Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika; 
Cima bonk' ubugwenxa bayo
Nezigqito, nezono zayo
Uyisikelele.