Awesome Final Tribute to Nelson Mandela

December 16, 2013 -- President Jacob Zuma unveiled a giant statue of Nelson Mandela, a day after he was buried.

Nelson Mandela cast a larger than life shadow on the nation of South Africa and the world.  In a fitting final tribute, a larger than life statue was unveiled on December 16, 2013 overlooking the grounds of the Union Buildings where he lay in state. Standing more than 30 feet tall, this monument to the legacy of Mandela, welcomes all to the rainbow nation built by the Spirit of Unbuntu.

December 16 has been commemorated in South Africa for over 150 years. It was at first called Day of the Covenant, honoring a victory of the early Afrikaners, mainly descendants of Dutch settlers, over the Zulus in an 1838 clash that became known as the Battle of Blood River. Some Afrikaners still mark the day today.

But it is also the anniversary of the founding of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation) -- the armed wing of the now ruling African National Congress, of which Mandela was the first commander in chief. After South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the day was symbolically retained as a holiday and renamed Day of Reconciliation.
As we end our journey, we are especially fortunate to have been here during the 10 days of mourning, and a witness to the outpouring of admiration for the impact Madiba had on people from all over the world. Nelson Mandela's long walk to freedom has so much meaning when the tribute is seen up close and personal.

Thousands of mourners stood in long ques for up to seven hours, and many of them did not get the opportunity to see him lying in state. We were among who did see him one last time.   Thousands more  lay flowers in tribute; others lit candles at vigils all over the country.  There were endless reflections as supporters gathered in homes, at worship services, and as celebrities and comrades from years past shared their memories and added elements to the story that have never been told and heard by so many.  We now have a story to tell to our family and friends when we return to the USA.  We can add our stories to this historic moment  in South Africa's history.

Rest in peace Madiba.

Amandla!

Thousands line up to see Mandela lying in state.

Mandela lying in state -- Dec 11, 2013

We joined thousands of people lined up on Wednesday to say goodbye to Nelson Mandela, whose body lay in state in Pretoria in the building where the anti-apartheid hero was inaugurated in 1994 as South Africa's first black president.  The Union Buildings were designed 94 years ago by South Africa’s greatest architect, Herbert Baker, with the kind of racial blinkers that colored the country before Mandela’s revolution. Sited on the spot of an old Setswana court called Tshwane, after the river which flows below it, the two wings of the building are meant to symbolize the coming together of English and Afrikaner in one white “nation.” Mandela’s body now lies in the center of this arc. It has now, out of respect for the true union he created, been renamed the Nelson Mandela Amphitheater.


Images from the Queue
This was a festive and solemn occasion.  We joined the queue at about 10:00 on Wednesday morning, in the shade of trees on the campus of Pretoria University where we waited to be bused to the Union Buildings. We boarded the bus to view the body at about 2:00 PM.  During the course of the day, the crowd grew, and the mood included festive celebrations as well as quiet reflections among new friends whom we met in the queue.  

When we arrived at the Union Buildings we were quietly directed under the canopy where his casket was guarded by members of the South Africa Defense Force.  Our last view of Madiba was a fleeting glance at the casket, where he was resting in one of his trademark Mandela shirts, looking relaxed and serene.  And then it was over.  We have seen him for the last time. This memory closed the most meaningful chapter in my life that began with meeting him in person in the early days of the new democracy, through the celebrations of pride in the New South Africa, to this closing glance of my greatest hero.  Rest in peace, Madiba.

Amandla!

Celebrating the End of the Long Walk to Freedom

The End of a Long Walk to Freedom... -- Dec 10, 2013

Rain has descended upon the memorial service for Nelson Rolilhlahla Mandela.  In Africa it is said that when it rains on a funeral celebration that the gates of heaven are opening to welcome the soul of the departed into eternity.  Today the nations of the world are gathered to commemorate the life of our departed hero.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon -- " This stadium holds tens of thousands of people... but a stadium large enough to hold all of Africa could not contain our grief at this loss."

Gen. Thanduxolo Mandela speaking on behalf of Nelson Mandela's family: "We have always been mindful that we share Madiba with South Africa, Africa and the world."

Kirk Franklin musical tribute -- "My life is in your hands." 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIPMllUV12o

President Barack Obama -- "It is tempting to remember Nelson Mandela as an icon... instead, Madiba insisted upon sharing with us his doubts and fears... because he was a man of flesh and blood who shared himself with all of us... He showed us the power of action... The word 'Ubuntu' captures his greatest gift, his willingness to share himself with all of us."

South Africa President Jacob Zuma -- "Here in South Africa we sing a song about Madiba: "Nelson Mandela, there is no one like you." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Z3_Cb9St8
Today, we honor this freedom fighter... and recognize his love for peace. Today, the whole world is standing still to honor Madiba. There is truly no other like you."

Amandla!

Preparation for Mandela Tributes -- Dec 9, 2013

Soccer City

Tens of thousands of people, including more than 90 heads of state, are expected to converge on the calabash to bid farewell to former president Nelson Mandela.  This stadium has a capacity of 95,000 people, and it is expected that it will reach its capacity for this event. Located in Soweto, it is only fitting that this service should be held near the home of Nelson Mandela before he was imprisoned. 

President Obama will join other world leaders who have been invited to speak.  We don't plan to attend the memorial service, but we plan to go to the viewing of the body as it lies in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The Union Buildings

The preparations for the memorial services and the lying in state of President Mandela's body have brought traffic to a near standstill in Pretoria.  We drove near the Union Buildings where the body will lie in state on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Gridlock prevailed as traffic officers closed streets to reroute traffic and prepare for the daily procession that will bring the body to the union buildings.  But we were able to navigate our way through a massive throng of people converging  to view the body over a three day period.

We plan to join that throng to pay our respects on Wednesday.  For us, this is an opportunity that has come full circle.  We were in South Africa at the beginning of the transition to a democratic nation in 1995.  The Union Buildings were erected as the center of government by the Afrikaners who settled in Pretoria and became the architects of the Apartheid system.  We saw President Mandela transform a nation from oppression and hatred to collaboration and hope.  Now we have an opportunity to pay our respects to this hero who has meant so much to so many at the very site that for so long was a symbol of what he lived his life to overcome. It is such a joy and providential timing that we are able to be here at this time.

Amandla!

National Day of Prayer -- Dec 8, 2013

December 8, 2013 -- All over South Africa  worshipers celebrated a National Day of Prayer and reflection. We attended worship services at the Seeiso Street Church of Christ in Atteridgeville.  This one of the townships west of Pretoria. We were worshiping with our host family and friends from our earlier stay in South Africa. I was honored to be the guest speaker.  

My reflections on this occasion were focused on three elements:

A Time to Remember... Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1. A time to remember Madiba and the legacy he left for us all... a new hope, a new nation, and a new future. We all have special memories of what he means to us.
2. A time to remember the believers who endured oppression hatred, and Apartheid because of God's promise to "... prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
   What I remember most was the question we were asked by nearly every South African we met during the days of transition, "How do you like OUR new South Africa?"
3. A time to remember our creator. "Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them' -- ...and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.' Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

On this National Day of Prayer, the leaders of the nation joined worshipers everywhere in prayers of thanksgiving and hope for a brighter future.  Among the songs that were sung was "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" ("Lord Bless Africa" in Xhosa), which is now a part of the South Africa National Anthem.

God bless South Africa.

The Long Walk to Freedom -- Dec 6, 2013

The Long Walk to Freedom -- December 6, 2013
Madiba has ended his long walk to freedom.  Along the way he has cast a long shadow.  I was fortunate to have stood momentarily in that shadow and learn for such a great statesman. I will be traveling to South Africa and participating in the celebrations of his life.  We leave today, December 6th at 2:15 PM.  I will share my thoughts about this great man and our experiences while traveling for the next two weeks.

My journey with Madiba began in 1995 when I was assigned to work in South Africa with IBM.  Our mission was to re-establish IBM South Africa, following our absence during the years of divestment. President Mandela had been elected in April of 1994.  When we arrived in January 1995 his influence was already taking effect.  Everyone -- Blacks, Whites, Colored, Indians -- greeted us with "How do you like OUR new South Africa?"  They were all invested in building a new nation. Often, we would hear the statement, "We're all Africans.  This is our country." The spirit of Ubuntu had already taken hold.

During my three year stay, I had the pleasure of meeting President once and shook his hand.  He had a presence in the room where corporate supporters of the new government were gathered.  He was so comfortable and genuine when he greeted me.  He said, "We're glad you are here to help us build a new nation.  Thank you for your support."  It seemed personal, as if we had been friends for a long time.  He had a way of being comfortable and making everyone else comfortable around him.

I will never forget that moment, nor the many memories of working with the people of South Africa.  We regard South Africa as our second home.  So, we are going home to celebrate the life of Madiba.

Amandla!