The City of Johannesburg pays tribute to the memory and legacy of this most loved and celebrated resident of our City. Although the father of our democracy belonged to all South Africans – and indeed to all freedom-loving people across the world – Johannesburg held a special place in his heart.
This was said by Executive Mayor, Mpho Parks Tau in his tribute to the memory and legacy of the most loved and celebrated Johannesburg resident, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela to scores of employees, management and councilors at the Piazza outside the Metro Centre building in Braamfontein.
“It was here that he started his career and his quest for the liberation of our country, and it was to Johannesburg that he returned after a lifetime of service to the nation. The people of our City responded by conferring on him the highest honour of Freeman of the City in addition to his many other distinctions he received, was the Nobel Peace Prize and the Ikhamanga Award, said Mayor Tau.
“The City of Johannesburg expresses its deepest condolences to his wife and family upon the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. We are grateful for the opportunities he had to serve the people of Johannesburg and our City,” he added.
The Executive Mayor added that in the memory of Isithwalandwe, Seaparankoe, Nelson Mandela, will live on in Johannesburg through the many landmarks named after him: the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, and his homes in Orlando West and Houghton.
“We honour his memory and as a City, we will continue to build on the legacy he bestowed on us. We will continue to build a United, nonracial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa,” he concluded.
The City of Johannesburg has identified sites for residents to converge and pay tribute to this most loved and celebrated resident of our City. The following are the official mourning sites in the City of Johannesburg:
Ivory Park
Diepsloot Park
Diepkloof Xtreme Park
Orlando West Park
Thokoza Park
Innes Free
Joubert Park
Rose Park – Lenasia
Orange Farm Regional Park
Krematart Park – Eldorado Park
Tanzania Park – Cosmo City
Residents are urged to listen to various radio stations for more information and the times for mourning at different sites. The information will also be published on the City’s website: www.joburg.org.za.