Reflect honestly on our mortality

hospital spell points to growing acceptance that he cannot go on forever.

This is a deeply personal time for the family and it is right that the country has given them the space to deal with the challenges.

But Mandela is also a statesman, someone who has made a huge contribution to our country in diverse ways and his circumstances are not simply only to be considered by his family. We must all be allowed to pause and to reflect, to grieve.

There are few South Africans who are not experiencing deep anguish at Madiba’s deteriorating condition; he is a revered leader who has taught us a lot through his life of sacrifice and a well-loved human being, apart from being a husband, father, grandfather, friend and comrade.

He has done well by us and we wish only to do the same by him.

As a country, we will take time to weep during this period of heartbreaking separation, standing together as a nation with and for Madiba, a people with a shared grief, yet with a shared hope and a common destiny.

Makgoba has said that being able to speak openly yet sensitively about death allows us to grieve properly and attain emotional health.

It may also create space for us to reflect honestly about our own mortality.

Perhaps that is another legacy that Madiba may leave us.