The family of the late President Nelson Mandela say they are humbled
by the support they have received from President Jacob Zuma, the medical
team that attended to Madiba and messages from all people in South
Africa and abroad.
Briefing the media at the SABC studios in Auckland Park on Saturday,
retired Lieutenant General Temba Templeton Matanzima also expressed
their thanks to the medical team that attended to him "around the
clock".
In their first statement ever since Mandela died on Thursday, the
family also said the past two days have not been easy as they still
grapple to come to terms with his passing.
"Special thanks to President Jacob Zuma and the government of South
Africa, the dedicated medical team that attended to him around the
clock, religious communities of the different faiths of our country and
beyond that offered prayers and counselling to the family.
".. As a family, we are humbled by the messages of condolences and
support that we continue to receive from governments and people of the
world. Clearly, this once more underlines the simple truth that Madiba
was not just a citizen of South Africa and the broader African
continent, but a global citizen.
"We are, however, comforted by the knowledge that our pain and sorrow is shared by millions around the world," he said.
Accompanied by Mandela's grandson, Ndaba, Matanzima said they will
mostly remember Mandela for his values and sacrifice and his sacrifices,
having lived his life to ensure a better life for all South Africans.
"Yes, Tata is gone, the pillar of the family is gone, just as he was
away during that 27 painful years of imprisonment, but in our hearts and
souls he will always be with us. His spirit endures. As a family, we
commit ourselves to uphold and be guided by the values he lived for and
was prepared to die for," General Matanzima said.
After the statement, Ndaba said while mourning the death of South
Africa's hero, the family learnt about the passing of another South
African hero, former boxing champion Baby Jake Matlala, who passed away
earlier on Saturday
President Jacob Zuma has also extended condolences to the family of Matlala who passed on today after an illness.
"We have learned with sadness the news of the passing of this
outstanding sportsman, known for his professionalism and dedication to
boxing. We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this
difficult time," said President Zuma.
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