South Africa commemorates Nelson Mandela’s death

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africans began Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the death of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi, who is South Africa’s Ambassador to Denmark sent an emotional tweet remembering her father.

“In memoriam x6 years, I carry you in my heart Pops (Daddy),” she wrote, accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

‘This day marks the 6th anniversary of the passing of global icon Nelson Rolihlala Mandela who in his life time, selflessly dedicated himself to fight for the liberation of our people. May the world never forget that this giant once walked amongst us,’’ South Africa’s Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said in a tweet.

The Nelson Mandela foundation will host a panel of discussion later Thursday to mark the icons passing, who died Dec, 5, 2013, at his home in Johannesburg at the age of 95.

It posted a number of quotes by Mandela to remember the sacrifice he made for his nation’s freedom.

Mandela become South Africa's first democratically elected black president in 1994, an office he held for five years.

He preached reconciliation and did not take revenge against those who treated him harshly while in prison.

He is referred by many South Africans as the "Father of the Nation" after spending 27 years in prison for resisting the country's white minority apartheid rule.

The foundation said there are many traits that define Mandela’s character and people relate to him for a variety of reasons including his love for peace, selflessness, forgiveness, tolerance and compassion for others.

It will also hold the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run at the Union Buildings which houses the seat of government in the capital of Pretoria on Sunday.

“This year we will be remembering the 6th year since Madiba passed away. It has since become a South African tradition that thousands of South Africans, including athletes, and families come together to commemorate this historic day with a half marathon and a fun family walk,” the foundation said, using Mandela’s clan name.