Johannesburg -
Nelson Mandela’s legacy was again upheld in a fitting 6km remembrance walk from Freedom Park to the Union Buildings at the weekend.
Under the theme “Mandela’s Legacy Lives On”, it was a symbolic commemoration, signifying a year since his body made its final journey to his home in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
The initiative by the Gauteng government, through the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, saw 12 000 people take part. Among them were Mandela’s relatives and Struggle veterans Ahmed Kathrada and Andrew Mlangeni.
Mandela’s widow Graça Machel led the walk, and at the end of it, a wreath-laying ceremony was held.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said: “Tata must be very happy with the turnout of people here today. He is smiling in heaven, smiling on the unity that he fought tirelessly to achieve.”
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Molebatsi Bopape said the remembrance walk would be an annual event. “I hope the turnout will increase each year now that people are familiar with it,” she added.
The Pretoria Primary School choir kicked off festivities by entertaining the crowd with hymns and the national anthem, and later presented Machel with a bouquet of flowers.
“It’s no secret that Madiba had a soft spot for children from all corners of the world,” Machel said. “He is definitely smiling wherever he is. He believed that children are the future and that they must value education, so I urge all the young people here to share Madiba’s vision.”
Choir member Mazzy Banda shared her sentiments about what the walk meant to her: “I’m very excited to be part of the event today. I love South Africa.”
- The Star