'In his memory we draw strength'
5 December 2014
South Africa's Acting President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to honour
the memory of former late President Nelson Mandela on Friday.
"On 5 December 2013, we lost the father of the nation, one of the most revered leaders
our country has ever produced, Nelson Mandela," Ramaphosa said, on behalf of
President Jacob Zuma who is currently in China on a state visit.
He encouraged the country to observe a moment of silence at 10am until 10.03am,
when South Africans everywhere are asked to sing the national anthem.
To call the country to attention, churches, mosques, temples, factories, schools and
motorists are asked to ring their bells, sirens, hoot and use loud hailers at 3 minutes
and 7 seconds to 10am (09:56:53).
This would make the time from the signal to the end of the three minutes of silence
exactly 6 minutes and 7 seconds – symbolising the 67 years Mandela gave to the cause
of
freedom.
"South Africans are urged to wear their favourite Mandela t-shirt, shirt or other
memorabilia on December 5 in his remembrance," the Presidency said.
All of those on social media are asked to use #RememberMandela to share their
memories of Nelson Mandela.
"In his memory we draw strength and comfort from the love, support and unity he
bequeathed to the people of South Africa, Africa and the world. We are stronger and
more united by the legacy he left us," Ramaphosa said.
"Let us all keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by living his values in every aspect of our
own lives – unflinching sacrifice in the humble service of all of humanity. All South
Africans are urged to play their part in moving South Africa
forward as part of efforts to
build a better South Africa, in a better Africa, in a better world, and in memory of this
icon of our people, Nelson Mandela."
There will be a wreath-laying ceremony attended by veterans of the struggle, including
Madiba’s life-long friend and confidant Ahmed Kathrada, at the Mandela statue on the
Union Buildings lawns at 8am on Friday.
Source: SAnews.gov
The striking cover image of Mandela: The Authorised Portrait, which includes a foreword by former US president Bill Clinton, an introduction by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a biography by South African author Mike Nicol
