artSMart’s editor, administration and
reviewing team send deep condolences to the family of the late and much-revered
Nelson Mandela.
What better tribute than to quote Madiba’s
own words which appeared in The Mercury Newspaper on December 6, taken from an interview
he gave for the documentary Mandela
in 1994.
“Death
is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty
to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that
effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.”
Another apt tribute comes from someone who
was by Nelson Mandela’s side through thick and thin: Zelda le Grange, his former private secretary.
Originally in a typist's post in the Presidency, she was promoted to one
of his private assistants in 1996 and, when he left office in 1999, he retained
her services as one of his personal staff:
“Nelson
Mandela inspired people to forgive, to reconcile, to care, to be selfless, to
be tolerant, to maintain dignity no matter what the circumstances.
I can
attest to each of these because these are the ways in which he changed my life
over the past 19 years. I am blessed and honoured by the privilege to have had
the opportunity to serve him. I often battled with the relentless pressure. But
then I looked to him who carried himself with such grace and energy. I never
left, I never could.”*
I met Nelson Mandela in a spontaneous few
moments at the re-launch of the Blue Train. I will never forget his extremely
firm grip as we shook hands, that tall figure, unmistakeable voice and
infectious smile. I then understood the term “Madiba Magic”. – Caroline Smart
*(See Zelda le Grange's full tribute at http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Statement-Zelda-Le-Grange-on-the-passing-of-Nelson-Mandela-20131206#.UqI4v2rbQDc.facebook)
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