Sandton abuzz with Madiba music
The Nelson Mandela Square, in Sandton, was alive with the spirit of the former president on Friday night.
The Nelson Mandela Square, in Sandton, was alive with the spirit of the former president on Friday night.
Hundreds of people thronged the square to pay tribute to the international peace icon, and to feel a sense of solidarity as the country came to terms with its loss.
The bronze, six-metre tall statue of the great man beamed down on the crowds, outshining the strands of twinkling Christmas lights strung overhead.
Two Spanish women were among those at the square to remember Mandela.
They lay a poster reading: "Thanks Madiba, you are leaving all of us a better world" in Spanish, on a growing pile of floral tributes at the centre of the square.
One of the women, Maria Nieto, who has lived in South Africa for a month, said Mandela had changed the country's character.
"If Mandela had not lived, we Spanish could not have lived here."
Her friend Marina Gomez-Fernandez, who has lived in South Africa for two years, said Mandela was an example from whom everyone could learn.
Asked how she felt about Madiba's death, she said: "It is his time, he has given so much to the world".
Taher Saley, 24, and his family turned out to take in the atmosphere.
"As much as Nelson Mandela isn't here today, his legacy will live on."
Gazing down at his baby, Saley said he would one day be able to tell his child about Mandela and his achievements.
Lerato Monageng, 26, who works at Square, said: "Madiba was more than a father, he was the world to us. We have lost a giant."
"Today is a day of mourning. The celebrating [of Mandela's legacy] will come later."
-Sapa