Looking back at Mandela’s last year
On June 8 this year, the now departed former Statesman, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was taken up into hospital due to his ailing health and breathing difficulties.
On June 11, having spent a third night in hospital, Mandela’s health was said to be in a “serious but stable” condition.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, joined South Africans and the world in wishing Mandela a speedy recovery.
“The elderly statesman is an icon who did a lot for us while serving 27 years of his life in prison fighting for our liberation, and continued to shape South Africa’s future for the better beyond his release from prison in 1990.
“It is only a man with courage and a selfless leader like Mandela who puts the interests of those in need and oppressed ahead of his own and those of his family.
“It is such a hero that can fight for an environment where both the oppressor and the oppressed can live together in peace and harmony to address the imbalances of the past.
“Who can forget his reconciliatory role that led to the peaceful dawn of the New South Africa when most detractors had thought that there would be bloodshed in the country at the time?” he added.
On June 27, support was still streaming in for Mandela since he was admitted to Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital. Earlier that day his daughter Makaziwe told journalists Mandela was responding to touch and is “still there”.
President Jacob Zuma cancelled his trip to Mozambique where he was due to attend an SADC Summit regional infrastructure investment conference.
Zuma gave clarity with regard to reasons why he cancelled his trip to Mozambique after visiting Madiba, which spread fear that Mandela was on his deathbed.
Zuma said in a statement, “I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today so that I could see him and confer with the doctors. He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night.
On July 5, the presidency denied the rumours stating that Mandela was in a “in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine”.
On June 22, President Zuma once again visited Mandela in hospital.
On July 18, the world celebrated Madiba’s 95th birthday, and 67-minutes of giving back to the community in his name.
Celebrations for Mandela’s birthday were the biggest ever, attracting scores of South Africans who engaged in community service in honour of Madiba.
President Zuma also shared with him a message from the family of former ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli, who led the ANC during the period that former President Mandela was arrested.
Dr Albertina Luthuli’s message read: “On my behalf and Luthuli family as a whole, I wish you an enjoyable happy birthday.
“I am encouraged by the reports that have come through recently from the Presidency and Mandela family pointing on the direction of some recovery in your physical condition. I pray that it be sustainable each day as time takes you forward.
“I shall forever cherish some of those moments when you came to my father’s home on the business of the ANC and we had to make tea and scones and host you.”
In Boksburg, local artists took the time and brought about their own ways in celebrating the icon, with Rumay Selinda (25) deciding to do something positive for his community, by giving a portion of his day doing something charitable at Ithemba Victim support Centre.
Selinda painted a portrait of Mandela as part of a community service project.
The self-taught artist said that painting the picture on the wall of the centre was also his way of celebrating Madiba’s 95th birthday.
Artist Keith Zenda, added a six-piece canvass tribute to the life and times of Mandela.
The artist, who realised his talent at the early age of six, paid homage to special moments that South Africans were able to share with the now departed former Statesman.
Valerie Beveridge from Parkdene drew a picture Mandela for his birthday.
By this time, Madiba spent over 50 day in hospital since being admitted to hospital. It was still unclear how many more procedures Mandela still had to undergo in order to recuperate.
On August 26, Mandela continued to remain in a “critical but stable condition” after spending close to 80 days in hospital.
According to the presidency, “While at times, his condition becomes unstable, the doctors indicate that the former President has demonstrated great resilience and his condition tends to stabilise as a result of medical interventions.”
His wife Graca Machel was reported as saying, “I have been less anxious about his state of health over the last few days.”
The presidency continued to say, “Doctors are still working hard to effect a turnaround and a further improvement in his health and to keep the former President comfortable.”
However, sadly, the Father of the Nation, and the founding President of our democracy, passed away on Thursday, December 5, at 9pm.
The Advertiser expressed its deepest sympathy to Mandela’s family, colleagues, the nation friends, loved ones and the nation at the passing away of an icon.
