Zuma celebrates Madiba at Methodist Church.

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma attended a service on 8 December at the Bryanston Methodist Church to mark the National Day of Prayer and Reflection called to remember former President Nelson Mandela. President Zuma arrived at the church with Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and was joined by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was escorted by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyana. Oprah Winfrey’s partner Stedman Graham arrived at the church to show support for Mandela’s family, as well as Dali and Rachel Tambo. Joined by the Archbishop of the Methodist Church Ziphozihle Siwa, the Bryanston congregation attended the service and rejoiced in prayer, celebrating Madiba’s contribution to the liberation of South Africa and the establishment of a democratic society. Babies were baptised and Christmas poems were recited at the beginning of the service, which was then followed by an honourary tribute speech on Mandela’s long life by President Zuma. “We should, while mourning, also sing at the top of our voices, dance and do whatever we want to do, to celebrate the life of this outstanding revolutionary who kept the spirit of freedom alive and led us to a new society. As South Africans, we sing when we are happy and we also sing when we are sad to make ourselves feel better. Let us celebrate Madiba in this way, which we know best. Let us sing for Madiba,” said President Zuma. Archbishop Siwa reminded the congregation about coming together through the spirit of selflessness, and spoke of justice, love and the end of violence for the nation. He highlighted Madiba’s years of suffering, and explained how it shaped his character, even though it was unwanted. “As he closes his eyes, we open ours and go forward,” said Siwa. “Mandela has finished the race. His day for departure had come. This is the beginning of the end. We must be prepared to run the race for ourselves and this nation, as there is a finishing line for all of us.”

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