Johannesburg -
The South African arts community should continue celebrating the life of former president Nelson Mandela, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile said on Wednesday.
“As we march into the future without our beloved Tata Madiba, let us as the arts community continue to celebrate his life; a life well-lived and a life dedicated to the selfless service of humanity,” he said in a speech prepared for delivery at an arts community tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg.
“Let us also continue to tell our own stories; stories of a great people, standing on the shoulders of giants such as Tata Madiba himself... and many others.
“As artists, we are today paying tribute to this great icon of our country, our continent and the world, by doing what we do best; through song, dance, poetry and other performances,” he said.
“As we know, Tata Madiba was a great admirer of the work of artists. Who can forget the unique and famous Madiba dance, where Tata would dance passionately to the sounds of our voices and the beat of our drums?”
He said Mandela continued to bring people together, even in death.
“He also continues to be a source of inspiration, always inspiring us to believe that tomorrow will be better than today and yesterday; and that the goal of a caring and more humane world is within reach.”
Mandela died at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Thursday night, at the age of 95. He will be buried in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday. - Sapa