Mandela touched my soul - Mlangeni

026 09.12.2013 Andrew Mlangeni, speaks on the life of the late former president Nelson Mandela during a press conference at Park Hyatt, Rosebank. Picture: Itumeleng English.

026 09.12.2013 Andrew Mlangeni, speaks on the life of the late former president Nelson Mandela during a press conference at Park Hyatt, Rosebank. Picture: Itumeleng English.

Published Dec 10, 2013

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Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela touched the lives of all South Africans, ANC stalwart Andrew Mlangeni said at his memorial service at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of the founding father of South Africa,” he said.

“I have been privileged and honoured to have Mandela touch my heart, my soul and my life. He touched the lives of many South Africans.”

As Mlangeni spoke, the big screen showed a stern looking former president Thabo Mbeki.

When the screen showed members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, the crowd booed, and then immediately cheered when it showed Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

When Mlangeni took to the podium, the crowd cheered and started singing for him. They also laughed at his mispronunciation of President Jacob Zuma's middle name, Gedleyihlekisa.

Mlangeni was speaking as a family friend. He was a fellow Rivonia trialist of Mandela and Robben Island prison inmate. - Sapa

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