Friday the 5th of December 2014 is the first anniversary of the death of one of the world’s most revered leaders. The late former President Nelson Mandela passed away at age of 95 at his Houghton home in Johannesburg after a lengthy illness.
His death unleashed a heartfelt chorus of condolences and tributes.
It’s a day that will forever remain etched in history. It was late on Thursday night when President Jacob Zuma made the official announcement.
Nelson Mandela had been ill for a while. In 2012 he spent almost 3 weeks in hospital to undergo treatment for a lung infection and gallstones.
In 2013 he was again hospitalised for a lengthy period of time for a lung infection. He was later moved to his Houghton home where he received round the clock care. Still, news of his death came as a shock.
Prayer services were held across the country to honour Mandela. Parliament held a special sitting where MP’s paid tribute to him. Several buildings, including the National Assembly were draped in massive banners in tribute to Madiba.
Despite the profound sense of national sorrow triggered by Mandela’s death, the mood was upbeat, with people determined to celebrate the memory of one of the 20th century’s towering political figures.
A year on from Madiba’s death South Africans and the world at hard have taken to social media to remember the World icon.
Thursday 4 December 2014 13:56
