Sowetans mourn Sisulu
2003-05-16 08:15
Johannesburg - Mourners packed Uncle Tom's Community Hall in Soweto, Johannesburg on Thursday night to remember the late African National Congress stalwart Walter Sisulu.
Mourners included former president Nelson Mandela, ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlhante, Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, Johannesburg executive mayor Amos Masondo, Tshwane metro mayor S'mangaliso Mkhatshwa and Sisulu's children.
The memorial service, the last before the funeral on Saturday, drew about 2 000 residents people, with some watching the proceedings on large television screens, mounted in several rooms and tents outside the main hall.
Speaker after speaker praised Sisulu for not only his humility, but for standing up for his beliefs. He was the "engine of the ANC", Shilowa said.
"He had confidence to stand alone. He had the courage to make tough decisions. He had the compassion to listen to the needs of others.
"His heroism, humility and leadership earned him the respect and love of millions of our people. So, life continues even if this giant willow tree has fallen down," he said.
Sisulu's friend Andrew Mlangeni said the late ANC leader not only taught them why apartheid needed to be defeated, but also taught Mandela how to dress.
"Mandela went to prison as the best dressed man," Mlangeni quipped.
Sisulu's hatred of the "dompas" - South Africa's previous identity document - drew him to politics.
Sisulu died peacefully at his Linden home in Johannesburg on May 5.
His body will lie in state at Uncle Tom's Hall between 19:00 and 23:00 on Friday for a night vigil. The body would then be taken to a family home in Orlando West.
A special church service would be held for the family on Saturday morning before the body leaves for the public funeral service at Orlando Stadium.
- SAPA