‘Family appreciates support’

THE MANDELA family has been inspired by messages of support and events for Madiba.

“The various memorial and prayer services, concerts, public lectures, messages of support and condolences remain a source of great inspiration to Mandela’s widow Mama Graca Machel, Mandela’s ex- wife Mama Winnie MadikizelaMandela and the entire family,” spokesman General Temba Matanzima said in Joburg.

“We drew further inspiration and courage in the long queues of thousands of our people, who braced the cold and wet conditions to pay (their) respects…” he said.

About 100 000 people had paid homage to Mandela during the three days his body lay in state at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, the government had said earlier.

“The third day closed with over 50 000 paying their respects to our national icon,” said acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams.

The Mandela family extended its gratitude to President Jacob Zuma and the government for the arrangements made to enable the people of South Africa to honour Mandela in a dignified manner.

“Madiba is certainly at peace having been bade farewell by the people he so dearly loved, sacrificed, and was prepared to lay down his life for,” Matanzima said.

“This is a constant reminder to all of us that Madiba belonged to the people and it is only correct that he was returned to the people before his journey back to Qunu.”

Matanzima said the family was strengthened by the world’s prayers for Mandela ahead of the funeral. – Sapa