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 WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN MADIBA'S LIFE LATELY? Click here to read more about our statesman, Nelson Mandela 

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“It should, true to Madiba’s values, forever be a symbol of the country’s reconciliation and tolerance as a nation,” said Zuma in Bloemfontein in the Free State.

“We know Tata Mandela to be a humble person, a principled leader whose life of selfless dedication to the cause of equality, freedom and dignity for all continues to be a source of inspiration to all South Africans and indeed to all of humanity.”  Colourful balloons filled the air as Zuma removed a black sheet covering the 6.5m bronze statue of Mandela on Naval Hill.

The unveiling came ahead of schedule as rain affected the official programme.

Guests were accommodated in a big white tent behind the statue.

Mandela’s statue looks in the direction of Waaihoek, where the ANC was established 100 years ago.

Zuma said with the statue overlooking Mangaung, Mandela was once again honoured for his “towering vision and stature”, his commitment, leadership and dedication to the struggle against apartheid.

He said the statue would remind South African the path it’s citizens had travelled in the struggle to be free.

“It reminds us of our journey from the birth of the African National Congress here in Mangaung in 1912, to the democratic elections in 1994, and now, this year, the centenary of the ANC, the oldest liberation movement in Africa.”  The ANC president said the statue should also remind South Africa that its freedom should be handled with care by all, not just the government.

Zuma said people should keep on talking about Mandela and tell the real story of Madiba.

“If you honour him, you honour us. May the statue inspire all.” 

Comments

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Sat May 25 23:40:32 SAST 2013 ::

Dec 14, 2012

Pointman

Practice what you preach. It is pointless telling us about Mandela's principles - when in practice it is being totally ignored by the ANC.
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Dec 14, 2012

Mdala

I think we should rename South Africa to Mandelania or Madibaland
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Dec 14, 2012

AusiBob

Point on @ Pointman
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Practice what you preach. It is pointless telling us about Mandela's principles - when in practice it is being totally ignored by the ANC.

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Dec 14, 2012

TLekota

@ Mdala,hahahaha I think he will not love that. They old man told them several times not to forget other struggle heroes. We have people like Oom Kathy, Andrew Mlangeni, Elias Motsoaledi who we may honour that Mandela Mandela everytime
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Dec 14, 2012

Dubul'Amanzi

I love Oliver Tambo.
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Dec 14, 2012

Lephene

Leihlo La Sechaba yesterday showed how people were tortured at Lilies Lief on that day when they were raided,those two men from Phokwane,but no one ever mentioned them until today.Nna i'll never whorship people.....you guys can persist.
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Dec 14, 2012

MGEEZ

“If you honour him, you honour us. May the statue inspire all.”
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Why should your lot be honored Msholozi???? For stealing our money??? Get over it and quit now; this your Mandelka worship does not fool some of us!!!
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Dec 14, 2012

Mdala

I still think Robert Smangaliso Sobukhwe deserve a big accolade he was atrue son of the soil I don't know how many times people have been calling for him to be honoured in the same manner like ootat'uTambo and others.
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Dec 14, 2012

GhettoCheeck

@Lephene - 100% correct. I feel exactly like you my brother. What about the likes of Steve Biko bo Tsietsi Mashinini, Robert Smangaliso Sobukhwe and many more. F..ck
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Dec 14, 2012

!#Sinudeity#!

Here is a youtube club of white struggle heroes. Even when Nkosi Sikelele iAfrica was banned, these guys made it mainstream on the radios during apartheid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdyu_jcLYW8
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