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Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Benson Fihla pays tribute to Dr Nelson Mandela

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We have entered a period of mourning, as we take leave of our beloved leader and former State President, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. We are extremely proud that our region has produced a man of the calibre and vision of Madiba, who became a towering figure and world icon, inspiring millions to follow his example of humility, compassion and forgiveness. We recall his exceptional leadership when he and other liberation leaders steered us through tumultuous times in our history when we fought for freedom against oppression and then tried to find our feet as a fledgling democracy.

Our city received a singular honour from Dr Mandela in that he personally agreed that it be named after him. We are grateful that in his lifetime, our city honoured and paid tribute to Dr Mandela in different ways. I think back to the historic occasion in 1991, when on Dr Mandela’s release from prison, he visited the Nelson Mandela Peace Park in Motherwell, to be greeted by hundreds of thousands of our residents. In 1994, the Freedom of the City was bestowed on Dr Mandela by the then Uitenhage Municipality, and in 2000, the city was renamed Nelson Mandela Bay and the institution Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. In 2011, we bestowed the freedom of the City on Dr Mandela. In 2012, residents and municipal employees signed a Giant Card as part of Madiba’s birthday celebrations.

During Dr Mandela’s life, his charisma, dignity, humanity, humility, selflessness and fortitude overshadowed any bridge, building, park or city named after him. Only now that he is departed, will we be able to fully appreciate the wonderful but momentous legacy that carrying his name brings. Let us recommit ourselves as residents of the city named after him, to honour his legacy and live out the wonderful values personified in him: warmth, dignity, love, forgiveness, kindness and pro-active commitment, courage and leadership for a non-racial, non-sexist society.

South Africa has lost a great man, and the world has lost his sparkle and magic. I personally mourn the loss of a fellow comrade from Robben Island, where we remained steadfast as we prepared for the dawn of democracy, stoically bearing the sacrifices that our incarceration brought.

The world has lost a great man, but his greatness will live forever on in our hearts.

Oom Ben

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.