Speech by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia de
Lille, at a media briefing to share the City’s plans for
remembering Nelson Mandela
Good morning, goeie môre, molweni, as-salaam alaikum
It is with great sadness that I speak with you this morning.
The whole world is grieving.
Today, everyone is a South African.
Madiba was the father of our young democracy; his story of triumph over
adversity is part of the lifeblood of this country.
His example, his spirit, is a part of us all.
Living in South Africa has been living with him inside all of us.
And so it’s so hard to say goodbye.
I think we fooled ourselves into thinking that Madiba could live forever.
We wanted him to stay alive for us.
The pain of letting go just seems too great.
But in the end, we have to stop thinking about ourselves.
After this man gave us so much, we have to let him rest.
As a city, we need to come together to say goodbye properly.
We need places to pay our respects and come together to remember him.
This afternoon, I will be hosting an inter-faith religious ceremony at the
Grand Parade, where people will be led in prayer and quiet reflection.
That is scheduled for 17:00.
With our partners in the Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail, and in
conjunction with the MyCiTi bus service, we will be providing free
transport for anyone who wants to join us this afternoon.
Trains and buses will provide free inbound travel from all parts of the
metro between 12:00 and 15:00 today to the CBD.
They will take people home from 19:00 until the service has ended.
Within the next 48 hours, we will be activating public viewing areas
throughout the city.
And we have activated City Hall and the Civic Centre as public viewing
areas already where residents can come and sign condolence books.
On Sunday, we will hold a special meeting of Council where we will pay
tribute to Madiba and discuss the plans for his remembrance.
Further details will be made available once the national government has
confirmed the plans for public mourning.
Priya Reddy will be acting as the City’s official spokesperson and all
queries should be directed to her.
Priya and her team will assist wherever possible and provide frequent
updates.
In conclusion, let us consider how we feel at this moment.
Let us consider that all of us, across race and creed, across gender and
class, are feeling this loss.
As we come together to celebrate his life, let us remember this unity.
And let us remember that though there is a great deal that divides us,
there is much that binds.
His memory will live within us. Let us not fail him.
Rest well now, Madiba; and thank you.
Thank you, baie dankie, enkosi.