9 things Madiba would be proud of
He was a global icon, a legend and a great South African leader.
His actions changed our country for the better which is why the East Coast Breakfast team has decided to put together a list that would reflect the many positive things that took place in our beautiful country and the world since Madiba’s death on 5 December 2013 at the age of 95.
Here’s our list of nine things that would make Madiba smile:
1. Tata would’ve been proud of Siyabulela Xuza who from humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape graduated from Harvard last year after studying engineering. His dream is to open his own energy company and hopefully resolve our ongoing electricity problems. NASA was so impressed by Siyabulela that it named a small planet after him.
2. Madiba would have loved the Johnny Clegg - Ladysmith Black Mambazo collaboration at the Durban Botanic Gardens this year. It was the first time these renowned acts collaborated on stage in South Africa.
3. Mandela adored children so he would have heaped praise on 17-year-old Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai, who was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to get education to children.
4. He would’ve applauded Bafafa Bafana after the team bagged two victories in remembrance of Senzo Meyiwa, our former soccer captain who was shot dead in October.
5. Mandela would’ve showered Olympic gold medalist, Chad Le Clos with compliments. The Durban-born swimmer was awarded the title of World's Best for 2014 by the International Swimming Federation this year.
6. Madiba would have liked Barack Obama who:
- Created the first affordable healthcare system for all Americans #Obamacare
- Made immigration policies so that the tired, the weak and the downtrodden could find a life for themselves in America.
- Tried to remove Americans from hostile war zones.
7. Tata would have been proud of Thuli Madonsela for watching out for our rights.
8. Mandela would have been the first one to get up and dance at one of the many celebrations this year when we proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the birth of democracy.
9. Madiba would have picked up the phone to congratulate U2 when their song Ordinary Love, written to honour him, won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture. It was included in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
The list does not end here. We know there are plenty more stories to share.
Please add yours to our list by commenting below. You can also tweet your precious memories and stories to @ECRBreakfast using #TataForever
(Photos: Gallo Images & Getty Images)