On the eve of what would have been the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela, Port Elizabeth residents have shared their memories of visits to the city by the South African icon in past decades.
The statesman, who has become synonymous with the advent of SA’s democracy, was described as an impressive man of dignity by many who had crossed paths with him.
Former The Herald editor-in-chief Ric Wilson met Mandela when he attended celebrations for the newspaper’s 150th anniversary in 1995, not long after Mandela took up the reins as president.
“We had a civic reception at the Feather Market Hall, and Mandela was invited by mayor Nceba Faku and myself to come as a guest of honour,” Wilson said.
He described Madiba as a charming man.
“We entertained him in a side room, along with my wife Rosemary and Miss PE [Beverley Strydom], and he charmed the women,” Wilson said.
“The choir from the University of Port Elizabeth was also performing and when they were done, he shook hands with each and every choir member.
There were 30 or 40 and it took quite long, but he did not worry about things like that.”Wilson remembered Mandela as an impressive figure.
“He was a man of aura, he had a great dignity [about him].
“I think the best way to carry his legacy forward is just trying to emulate him.”
Port Elizabeth businessman Mkhuseli “Khusta” Jack encountered Mandela several times as a political activist.
“I met him the first time when he was in prison in Pollsmoor and spent a whole day with him, [preparing] for negotiations,” Jack said.
“The last time I saw him was in Qunu in 2003 or 2004, when he was already retired and [his grandson] Mandla Mandela was being made chief.
“He was a smart, nice man, a calculating person. He lived up to the expectation of being the kind of icon that he was.”
Jack believes the best way to honour Madiba on a daily basis is very simple: “It’s not difficult, it’s just to be nice and good to everybody and stick to the values [for which] the man suffered – a free South Africa.
“He wanted to see the prosperity of everyone and wanted us to have a democratic state, a country that did not discriminate on any basis.
“There was no excuse or room for discrimination of any kind in his vision. We need to just revert to that – it’s not expensive to do so.”
Isuzu communications manager Denise van Huyssteen said she was awed by Madiba because he epitomised the human spirit.
Van Huyssteen met Mandela twice, once after he was released from prison and visited the Midland Chamber of Industry, and again in 2000 at a Delta Motors event when she was working for the company.What struck her immediately was his humility.
“We had a plan to welcome him with a delegation of senior [executives] from the company,” Van Huyssteen said.
“He walked into the room and, instead of greeting the waiting delegation, he went straight into the corner of the room to greet the cleaner first. That was typical of Madiba.
“He was humble and cared about everyone.
“I think maybe we sometimes lose sight of what is truly important, but if we look at what Madiba taught not only South Africa but the whole world about forgiveness and respect we need to take that into our hearts.”