- Stay Connected
Socialize
Now Close Mandela Clan Close Meet at Family Gravesite
By SAPA, Mail & Guardian
A few cars have been seen at the Mandela family gravesite in Qunu, while the relatives called an urgent meeting in the village to brief the elders.
While the former president’s family is holding a meeting at his Qunu home, several cars have been seen at the Mandela family gravesite. The site is situated a few metres from Mandela’s younger brother Morris’s house, and just across the street from Madiba’s Qunu home. The private gravesite is where all the Mandela family members are buried.
It is not clear at this stage what this delegation is doing at the site, but often in Xhosa custom, a family visits a gravesite when they sense that a member might soon join the ancestors, or to speak to the ancestors to spare them for a while longer.
The family, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa arrived in Qunu this morning for a “family briefing” that was rumoured to have been called by Makaziwe, Mandela’s daughter.
Scores of journalist have been banned from crossing the N2 and restricted to parking across the street from the house.
Among those who arrived at the homestead were Mandla Mandela, Thanduxolo Mandela, Ndaba Mandela and Ndileka Mandela. Also present was chief Bhovulengwe of the AbaThembu royal council.
The family meeting had yet to start by 10.30am. It was delayed because some family members were not aware of the meeting and attempts were then made to contact them.
No family members were seen at the hospital on Tuesday. Mandela’s only visitors were his medical team, who arrived shortly after 8am.
Napilisi Mandela, an elder in the Mandela family, confirmed that the meeting would go ahead as planned and was called to discuss delicate matters pertaining to the anti-apartheid icon.
Napilisi Mandela usually presides over the family’s meetings and rituals.
Another close relative, Silumko Mandela, said final arrangements for the meeting were still being made.
“Many of us in the village were not aware and we were only told this morning, so a number of Mandela elders still need to be transported to Qunu for the meeting,” said Silumko Mandela.
Mandela on Tuesday spent his third day in a critical condition, and his 18th day in total in a hospital in Pretoria.
Two dove breeders from Johannesburg released about 100 doves outside the hospital in an apparent plea for peace in South Africa once Mandela dies. One of the breeders, Thomas Coutts, told the Mail & Guardian the doves also symbolised South Africa’s affection for Mandela.
“He gave us our freedom and peace. We pray for peace and prosperity even after he dies. This is our way of showing our gratitude to him,” Coutts said.
Posted by
ne
June 26, 2013 at 7:16 pm
mukazitekanya atumfweko. bana migula. whr did u get the gravesite news?????
CNP-4U
June 26, 2013 at 7:21 pm
so sad..RIP Madiba..will always remember you…
Biggie
June 26, 2013 at 8:13 pm
But what are all these innuendos about Mandela’s burial, is he gone. Last time there was a story of the crumble for his asserts is he no more?
ba medza
June 26, 2013 at 9:10 pm
Dying isn’t a bad thing if u prepared for it & lived a straight lifestile because your name shall be remembered time in memorial.Madiba has accomplished his mission here on earth & therefore should be allowed to rest peacefully & join the rest of our beloved who have departed.RIP MADIBA
why not if not
June 26, 2013 at 10:02 pm
He has fought a good fight if he is gone may the God Lord remember him in Paradise. What are we going to be remembered about when our time comes? God help us.
Air Mukwai_
June 26, 2013 at 11:21 pm
he is idolised with almost religious fervour, that he may soon bow to the inevitable
Kwacha-Rebased Lungu
June 27, 2013 at 9:02 am
Bafwila mumfumuuu…tabaluba iyooo…talala mayo bakamoneka nakabili!!!
kwacha rebased mwape
June 27, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Iwe ci Lungu, our hero hasn’t died yet for you to sing that song
zambian
June 27, 2013 at 2:28 pm
He is on life support and the moment they are going to remove, then iam sorry that will be the end.
xxxxx
June 28, 2013 at 9:19 am
yes he was a good man in our eyes but God sees what no man sees.I pray and hope he fought a good fight even in the eyes of God..as for us still kicking lets strive to fight a good fight in the eyes of God so we are among the people raised in the first resurrection when the trumpet of GOd shall sound on that bright and blessed morning…I pray am among the few