WINDHOEK – A memorial service was held yesterday at Parliament Gardens where MPs, diplomats, members of the Council of Churches of Namibia (CCN) and the public converged to pay tribute to the late global icon Nelson Mandela.
Speaker after speaker had nothing but praise for Mandela who died last Thursday, saying his legacy would live on for many generations to come.
The Secretary General of the CCN, Reverend Maria Kapere, described South Africa’s first democratically elected president as unique, adding that the revolutionary leader who would be laid to rest on Sunday directed the course of history by changing his mindset and emotions from a revolutionary background to a forgiving one.
“There can be no joy greater than that of forgiving those who have oppressed you. We could see forgiveness on his face every day,” said Kapere.
The Ambassador of Algeria to Namibia, Lahcene Kaid Slimane, who is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps said in his address that Mandela’s death is a loss not only for South Africa but the world.
He said Mandela devoted his entire life to the fight for human dignity and emancipation.
In as much as his death is a loss, he said the icon’s life should be celebrated and people should work for the fulfilment of his dreams.
South African High Commissioner, Yvette Myakayaka-Manzini, in describing Mandela as a revolutionary and moral giant, great leader, statesman and peacemaker said he is no longer in this world but his lessons and teachings “remain vivid in our minds”.
Mandela focused on building the nation, the High Commissioner added.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab told the South African High Commissioner and mourners that Namibia equally mourns his demise.
“We are one country, we are one people. Madiba’s passing on is shared with you by the Namibian people,” said Gurirab before turning to a picture of Mandela that was placed on the podium. “Hamba kahle (go well) Madiba. We shall tell the succeeding generations of who you are. You shall forever live in our memories and continue to walk in your footsteps,” he said at Parliament Gardens.
By Alvine Kapitako