I just walked past Mandela!

  1. Posted on Friday 27 July 2007 - 14:58
    Elvira van Noort
    Image of Elvira van Noort
    17 April 2007
    There are those days that I just love Africa and I can now clearly see the beauty of the country and its African traditions. It’s not that easy with all the crime and disease that are both rampant here, but today…today all is different.

    I’m one of those considered lucky; I walked past Nelson Mandela this Saturday on my way to Rhodes University. Mandela was there to attend his grandson’s graduation ceremony. Walking past only lasted for a second or two, but it doesn’t take more than that to feel the absolute radiance, goodwill and power that surround this world famous figure.

    He didn’t mind being stared at and photographed, smiling to everyone. Yes, he did look at bit fragile: his legs seem unwilling to carry him, but his eyes are so full of life it is hard to believe he’s 88 years old.

    It somehow does something to your heart and mind when you see a person like Mandela. I thought I felt the ultimate-emotional-experience-thing seeing Marky Ramone from very close and hugging Jerry Only during a Misfits concert, but no-way: all respect to Marky and Jerry, but Nelson: wow.

    Madiba has been busy, right after his visit to Rhodes the same grandson, Mandla Mandela was initiated into a Xhosa traditional leadership position. Mandla now has the power to decide disputes and try certain criminal and civil cases. It was on SABC news last night; it made quite an impact on me.

    With a lion skin draped on his shoulders, the sound of drums in his ears, he accepted the position as a link between the king, the ancestors and his people. The background of the ceremony was the Transkei; my favourite place in South Africa where I, unfortunately, haven’t been in a long time. I forgot the beauty of it, the magical landscape with its green huts and friendly people.

    I’m of to Durban soon, for another wedding, and I think I’ll leave a couple of days early to travel, once more, through the magnificent Transkei.

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