Knysna says farewell to Madiba
On behalf of the Knysna Municipality, Knysna executive mayor Georlene Wolmarans, issued a statement in tribute to Nelson Mandela:
“It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to South Africa’s greatest leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
“Every South African’s existence had in some way been touched by the life, words and deeds of Madiba. As political leader and this country’s first democratically elected president, he used his exceptional influence to ensure a peaceful political transition in a time when South Africa risked civil war. Once democracy was ensured, he became the voice behind Africa’s new struggle, HIV/Aids, and also established the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. These are, of course, only a few of the things that Madiba have done for our country and the world, and we will for some time to come read and hear about all the good things that he has done, said and accomplished.
“While we are sad for the gap he leaves behind, we are also grateful that he can now be at peace. After 95 extraordinary years during which he had to be so many things to so many people around the world, Tata can finally rest.
“The Knysna Municipality offers its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and loved ones of Madiba. Our prayers are with you in this sad and demanding time, and wish that you will nonetheless feel blessed and loved by those around you.
“Closer to home, some of our locals have met Nelson Mandela right here in our community. In January 2008, he spent some time in Knysna at one of the Knoetzie Castles, where he had taken a well-deserved break following extensive overseas travel. There are lovely stories of people walking on the beach at Noetzie, not believing their eyes when the world’s most famous leader started waving to them from the Castle balcony. While he was obviously tired at the time, he was more than willing to have his picture taken with staff members of the hotel – from the owner right down to the cleaners.
“In 2005 the Garden Route also hosted a 46664 concert at Fancourt in George. This was an international HIV/Aids fundraiser and awareness campaign that brought famous musicians such as Will Smith, Annie Lenox, Katie Melua and Queen to this region. While he made only a brief appearance during the concert, Madiba hosted the celebrities and continued to be the best public relations officer this country will ever have. He made sure the celebrities knew why they were here – to give of their time and money towards the country’s children and the fight against HIV/Aids – and left a lasting impression on all of them that will ensure that they remember the Garden Route with fondness.
“To the people of the Greater Knysna area, I ask that you use this time of mourning to show respect and appreciation for Madiba’s legacy of peace and reconciliation. We know that the collective sadness of this time has the potential of becoming hysterical, but we appeal to all South Africans to let this time be filled with all the hope and positive energy for which Madiba was known, as we believe that that is what he would have wanted.
“While his physical presence will no longer be with us, Nelson Mandela’s legacy will remain irrevocably part of South Africa and its people.
“In his memory, we will strive to become the best we can be – as people and as a municipality.
“In his memory we appeal to our people, our neighbours, our country and the world to remember Tata respectfully and with a greater purpose in mind: to improve the lives of others wherever they may go.”
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald