Mandla Mandela, the eldest grandson of former head of state Nelson Mandela, has fondly remembered his mother, Nolusapho Mandela-Perry, during a memorial service held in Bryanston on Wednesday afternoon.
Mandela told mourners gathered at the Bryanston’s Catholic Church of Resurrection that his mother was a compassionate activist, who, after losing her husband to HIV/Aids, took up the fight.
The 75-year-old traditional leader and fervent activist reportedly died after an undisclosed long illness on Sunday, January 11. Her passing came just a week before she was to celebrate her 76th birthday on January 18.
Mandela noted his mother’s unwavering dedication to her community following the death of her husband, Makgatho Mandela, to HIV/Aids, highlighting her tireless efforts to combat the stigma surrounding the disease.
“She worked with the community and traditional leaders and came to be loved by traditional leaders. When we lost our father, she took up the fight and urged men to get tested and declare their HIV/Aids status. She served our communities with dignity and never lost sight of the faith and the fear of the Lord,” he stated.
Mandela further remembered his mother’s role during their time, who ran a popular shebeen in Soweto, instilled in her children love for music, which remains with her children to this day.
“My mother instilled a love of music in us through her shebeen, which was frequented by the power houses of Soweto, in terms of music.”
Among those who frequented their home are radio veteran and actor, Treasure Tshabalala and jazz singer Thandi Klaasen.
With her activism growing, Mandela revealed that her mother’s spirited activism led her to the UK, where her fight for the downtrodden gained momentum, leading to her recognition.
Her activism extended beyond South Africa borders during her time in the UK, where she would take her children to participate in rallies. Mandela described one particularly electrifying moment in London’s Trafalgar Square and recalled how she was once honoured by OR Tambo.
“Tambo refused the award and sent for my brother or me instead. On my arrival in the UK, I was met by OR Tambo, who bought me a full suit, saying, ‘you must look and speak like a Mandela,'” he added.
Sbonelo Nzama, a family member representing the Nzama family, said even though she is 29-years younger than her cousin, the family shared lots of fond memories, which were made special by her passionate and vivid storytelling.
“She was deeply loved by the whole family. She shared a close bond with our late grandfather, and she was very fond of children. As such, she practised her motherly skills on my mother. She was also deeply devoted to her faith with a caring presence. She was also a great storyteller who loved travelling. She shared stories of her travels,” she said.
Early this week, following her passing, messages of condolences continued pouring in from those close to the 75-year-old, with many remembering her for her motherly role in the community of Mvezo, where she served as one of the traditional leaders.
Some also remembered her as a gentle giant, who was not only a traditional leader of the Mvezo Traditional Council but also a supportive matriarch to her family, who was also among the traditional leaders who served on councils in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the OR Tambo District Municipality.
ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, sent his heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family and the royal house, describing her as a remarkable woman who served with humility, courage, and compassion.
“I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and royal council. Mama Nolusapho was the beloved mother and a descendant of King Sikhukhune I. We have seen her working to lead the royal house and follow in the footsteps of Winnie Mandela and other formidable women. She accepted the role of leading and guiding her son, and did that with humility and courage,” he added
