The collective hearts of the Durban University of Technology and the world over are mourning the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president and international icon of peace and reconciliation.
The former statesman – who died at the age of 95 – passed on in the presence of his family last night (Thursday). “He passed on peacefully in the company of his family,” said President Jacob Zuma during a live broadcast from the Union Buildings last night. “Our people have lost a father. We knew that this day would come. Nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world,” he said.
The former statesman will be remembered for uniting South Africa during a thorny transition. One of his most iconic moments is when he adorned the Springbok rugby jersey during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in Ellis Park, uniting the country through sport and winning over the hearts of many.
Tata, as he was affectionately known had a long fight with a lung infection which saw him being hospitalised twice since 2012. His last hospital admission from June 18 to September 1, 2013 shook the world whilst also uniting it in fervent prayer for the former president’s speedy recovery.
DUT Chancellor, former KZN Judge President Vuka Tshabalala recalled how the former statesman was amenable to peace and reconciliation at the light of unrest prior to the democratic change in 1994.
“After I was criticised for accepting the nomination for the position of Deputy Judge President in KZN, I was asked to have an interview on TV where I was attacked by the presenter, suggesting that I was not qualified to accept the post. The following day, I had a phone call from President Mandela who complimented me for my response and encouraged me. I felt humbled to get a phone call from him. His life and legacy should be commemorated every year,” said the Chancellor.
Crispin Hemson, Director of DUT based ICON (International Centre of Nonviolence) said the news of Mandela’s passing brings him feelings of sadness, mixed with a sense of completion at a life well spent. He said Mandela “brought to public life a feeling that we were all in this together; that what we do with our society is our common responsibility”.
“I will personally remember him for his speech from the dock at his trial. I think the nation, and the world, should commemorate his life through a determination not to settle for anything less than the best for our nation and for the world. Nelson Mandela communicated to South Africans a sense of warmth and compassion. This was a quality of leadership we still need,” said Hemson.
– Naledi Hlefane and Sinegugu Ndlovu
