http://www.newera.com.na/2013/10/04/get-madiba-charity-concert/ This one is not about his death, but it gives an idea of how beloved the man was, with a charity concert to raise money for him when he was sick.
http://www.nbc.na/news_article.php?id=11679&title=Nelson-Mandela-dies Statement from NBC. I'll see if I can find any tribute they put out later.
http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=6958&page_type=story_detail A wonderful tribute from the Namibian (they also had some great Facebook posts, some of which I will include).
http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=6281&page_type=story_detail An article from a few days ago about opening a center to preserve the legacy of Mandela. While this center is in South Africa, most Namibians include Mandela as part of their legacy and heritage.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Namibian/284922901537221 I highly recommend you read through the postings and comments here. It will really paint the picture for you. Here are a few of their posts:
"BREAKING NEWS
Nelson Mandela has died.
"This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Our nation has lost its greatest son." – South African President Jacob Zuma addressing the nation on #Madiba's passing
RIP, tata"In a country where most people have limited or no access to computers with internet, this received over 260 comments, mostly "RIP" comments or people talking about what his legacy means to them. I also recommend reading the "Recent Posts by Others" segment. The Namlish may drive you crazy, but the sentiments will shine through.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/12/05/the-moral-courage-of-nelson-mandela/ Not local (for me), but a beautifully written piece by Desmond Tutu.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/world-leaders-react-passing-mandela-201312522531385658.html Reactions from different world leaders
http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201312060117-0023236 "Upon hearing President Zuma's announcement, nearly 90,000 tweets out of South Africa were sent in less than two hours. South Africans online mourned the leader's death by remembering his courageous contributions to justice in the former apartheid-ruled country. Many shared their grief and gratitude on Twitter:"
http://www.namibiansun.com/news/giant-has-gone-rest-pohamba.60251# Reaction from Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba
http://www.namibiansun.com/news/south-africa-world-celebrates-mandelas-life.60250# Article for The Sun.
http://mg.co.za/article/2013-12-07-sa-mourns-with-dignity-and-dancing South African newspaper Mail & Guardian
I don't have any pictures, since I wasn't carrying a camera at the time, but while out for a walk this morning, there was a train of cars, all with pictures or flags or messages relating to Mandela, driving around and honking horns. Also, a few children blowing those damn vuvuzelas (courtesy of a promo by Tafel lager at Blue Corner). On Sunday, a day of prayer was held in South Africa. I'm not sure if it was an offical day of prayer here, but if it wasn't it was certainly an official one. I even saw people walking into churches wearing South Africa soccer and rugby jerseys.
A few tweets, from the Facebook page of The Namibian (the first one certainly resonates with me):
@Tau_Amour: Mandela suffered in prison longer than I’ve even lived but he changed the world we live in completely. What a man, what a hero.
@GordonThe_Dime: Nothing could prepare us for this loss. He touched the hearts that ached for peace. The world has lost a jewel.
@BonsaiBoiKeith: We bid farewell to another conqueror of Robben Island. Rest now, you have given us more than we can ever give to you, Tata.
@P_Elago: The best description I can give for Nelson Mandela is that he was heaven-sent…
@YazizaCEO: We lost an African phenomenon who, the minute you think of him, your pursuit becomes a reality!! #MadibaMagic
@JasonCritic: Telling my four-year-old son about Mandela on the way to school. “Was he a super hero?” he asks. I paused a moment, then said “Yes”.
@Tjaronda: Started in Qunu (village), now worldwide#InternationalSuperstar
@hafenislice: I am sure they will make him president again in the afterlife…
@JBoyega: Leaving such a legacy... Just simply amazing... It can be done.
@BenKatamila: The comrade has left us and now we must cherish the good he gave to the world. RIP Madiba
@Watitlooklike2u: Heroes never die.
@Nda_mono: Make every day a Mandela Day.
Of course, I would be remiss if I neglected to mention that not everything was positive. I've seen a few articles and comments (mostly from the US, but even some from here) about Mandela being nothing more than a "commie" and a "terrorist" and how honoring him is a disrespect to all the "innocent white people who lost their lives because of him and his terrorist organization/party." There are even people in the US (including a sheriff in South Carolina) who refused to honor him by flying the flag at half-mast. Which is their right. But it clearly shows a lack of understanding of who he was, what he meant, what he represented, and the reality of South African/Namibian history (I include Namibia because, though we were independent by the time he was made president, he still played a major role in the anti-apartheid movement here, which was influential on the independence movement). No, Mandela was not a saint. He did some horrible things, or was at least responsible. So was George Washington. Sadly, there is a cost for freedom and the fight for equality, and it sometimes has to be paid in blood. Is that good? No. Would it be nice if it could be avoided? Yes. But it's also a reality, and these "innocents" were themselves part of the repressive apartheid system. No, they did not deserve to die. Very few (if any people) deserve death, in my opinion, but all things, even death, must be viewed within the context. However, this was a man who, until the last few years of his life, was on the terrorist watch list, and for a reason. http://www.okwonga.com/?p=869
http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7059&page_type=story_detail An idea of how big the memorial has been.
http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7084&page_type=story_detail A reminder of how much he had to deal with.
http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7085&page_type=story_detail An idea of his impact on Namibia, especially the anti-apartheid movement, and the role education plays in any revolution.
SMS sent to The Namibian
"SWAPO and Zanu-PF of Zimbabwe are just the same. I don’t think there is a future for these small parties in Namibia. You can oppose but you will never succeed. Don’t ever play with the big boys. Allow me to say rest in peace father Nelson Mandela."
"NELSON Mandela was a true leader of South Africa and an icon of the world. May his soul rest in peace."
"NELSON Mandela showed the world the true meaning of forgiveness. Rest in peace Madiba."
"OH my heart is bleeding. How on earth did he go like that? I did not even have a chance to see him. Oh he is gone and we all will, but not like him we will die of hunger. My black man, my hero, my great grandpa. May your soul rest in peace Nelson Mandela the great."
"NELSON Mandela. His greatness is undoubtedly incomparable."
"MADIBA dead. The world at a standstill. Rest In Peace."
"TATA Madiba. A hero, a revolutionary, a fearless and visionary leader who left an immortal mark in history, global relations and international politics."
"MAY the soul of Tata Nelson Madiba Mandela rest in eternal peace. May his memory live on to light the lives of those that have known his extraordinary but yet modest life, as well light the lives of many generations that are yet to come. Thank you God for the life of this extraordinary citizen of the globe."
"THE world momentarily came to a standstill in celebration of a life well lived. Rest in peace Madiba."
"NELSON Mandela might not have died on the said day. Somebody must tell the truth."
"FORMER President Sam Nujoma, take a leaf out of Tata Nelson Mandela’s life and keep out of politics."
"NELSON Mandela. Indeed, what makes him standout above the rest is not his name, but his humanity, social and all-round humility in all spheres of life."
"THE world is poorer without Madiba! Rest in peace Tata."
"NELSON Mandela was indeed a powerful figure with personality made of quality fine fibre. It is unfortunate that his fellow African leaders have never learnt anything from his exemplary leadership. They are still engulfed by greed and self glorification."
"MY Madiba has gone, my heart is broken."
"NELSON Mandela showed the world that even if we treat each other bad, God is merciful. Rest in peace Madiba."http://www.namibiansun.com/government/pohamba-nujoma-join-madiba-mourners.60273 Namibia's founding father and our current president joining the mourners.
http://www.namibiansun.com/international/emotional-farewell-planned-for-mandela.60286 The title says it all. I'm not sure I've seen someone so beloved die since I was in Spain when the pope died (and this probably tops that, too).
http://www.newera.com.na/2013/12/09/mandela-sadly-missed/ Again, just trying to highlight what the man meant to Namibia
December 9, around 8:30pm, The Namibian issued the following press release:
News Update | National period of mourning for Madiba
President Hifikepunye Pohamba has announced a national three-day period of mourning for former South African President Nelson Mandela.In addition, flags in Namibia will fly at half mast from Friday to Sunday.
http://www.newera.com.na/2013/12/09/world-mourns-revered-icon/
Please, keep in mind, that the main purpose of this article was not to voice my own views on Mandela. Rather, it was meant to give my friends, family, and other readers, at home, and around the world, a snapshot of the reaction here to the death of Madiba. I hope you found it interesting.
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