Declared by the United Nations in November 2009 in recognition of the contribution of Madiba, as he is fondly known, to the culture of peace and freedom, people are enjoined to spend 67 minutes of every July 18 doing charitable work in appreciation of the 67 years of his life that Madiba dedicated to the service of humanity.
The elaborate decoration of the atrium with South African bric-à-brac and colours was the first inkling that something concerning the rainbow nation was in the offing. Minisaa and the Tripple Treasure Band who dished out popular South African songs including numbers by two of the country’s greatest female musicians, Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie, was further proof that it was not an ordinary day at the Galleria.
Chair of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, eventually kick-started proceedings after more musical entertainment. Said he: “I am a big fan of Madiba and South Africa. People love Madiba for his love, resilience and forgiving spirit.” He referenced the icon’s famous “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison,” to buttress the point that Madiba has a large heart. The entertainment mogul added that Mandela’s life is a lesson for humanity and that he is “a great man. We love and adore him.”
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