Tata Madiba

It’s been far too long since I’ve written one of these (it seems as though I missed the whole month of November), but right now I am forcing myself to sit down and remember this occasion.

Friday, Dec 6, we lost a one of the most influential men of our time, Nelson Mandela. It’s hard to put into words the impact he had on the world and especially this incredible country that I now live in. He is the reason that there is freedom and equality in South Africa for people of different colors and backgrounds. And this all happened SO recently, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. It is truly incredible the impact one person had on this country. 

I think the whole world knew Madiba passed away before we did here in South Africa. I was already asleep, but I think the news first broke around 11:45pm here and wasn’t widely reported until about 12:30-1:00am. I didn’t find out until the next morning, but woke up to plenty of messages and emails about the news. The GRS Managing Director sent out a very heartfelt email first thing in the morning and we had a vigil up in the office all day with a picture, candles to light, and flowers.

At lunch, most of us at the office went to a memorial service at a nearby cathedral. The room quickly filled up as the pastor spoke about Mandela’s impact on South Africa and led us all in song and prayer. Most of the songs were from the ANC movement and were widely known throughout the crowd. During the memorial, the pastor opened up the mic for people to come up and share their Madiba stories. Some had met him personally; others just spoke about the freedom they now enjoy because of him. It was pretty amazing how all these people were so deeply and personally affected by this one man. It’s also incredible how many people had personal stories about him; it really spoke to his accessibility and to the relationship he had with his people.  Those that had met him all spoke of his compassion and sincerity… how he had one of his bodyguards personally deliver an autographed photo to an admirer’s home two weeks after they met, or how he visited an HIV positive man sick in the hospital and wore an “I am Positive” shirt to show his support. One of his former bodyguards spoke of how all he used to want to do was kill, and Mandela taught him compassion and forgiveness.

It’s been very surreal being here for such a momentous and emotional day. It’s hard to describe the mood around Cape Town at the moment. Everyone knew this day was coming, and the media and local businesses have obviously been preparing judging by the banners and paraphernalia already posted around town.  While his passing was not a shock, there was still a very somber and sad hush around Cape Town. Although Madiba had a tremendous impact around the world, he was so so important to the people of South Africa and I somewhat felt as though I was intruding on their mourning. You could tell how personal everyone took his passing; it was as if all South Africans lost a family member and friend.

There are a few memorials happening this next week and I hope to attend whatever I can. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience to be in this country to honor Nelson Mandela and I am so lucky to be a part of it.