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Tribute from Mandela’s former private secretary

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Zelda la Grange, Mandela’s former private secretary, said the late former President inspired people to forgive, reconcile, care, be selfless, tolerant, and maintain dignity no matter what the circumstances.

“I can attest to each of these because these are the ways in which he changed my life over the past 19 years. I am blessed and honoured by the privilege to have had the opportunity to serve him.

“As we grieve the departure of Madiba, I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I will never see him again, but heroes never die.

“As sad as it makes me that I will never walk into a room again and see his generous, infectious smile or hear him say ‘Oh Zeldina, you are here’, I have come to terms with the fact that Madiba’s legacy is not dependent on his presence.”

La Grange said his legacy will live on beyond everything that has been named after him.

“It will live on in how we feel when we hear his name, the respect and love, the unity he inspired in us as a country but particularly, how we relate to one another.

“Madiba will forever be present in my life because he made me into the human being I am today,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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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.