Madiba mourns pal of 60 years

2005-02-23 04:07

Carien du Plessis

Mthatha - Former president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday made a moving speech about his old comrade and friend of 60 years, Raymond Mhlaba, who died on Sunday night.

Two flags alongside Mandela were flying at half-mast in memory of Mhlaba.

Mandela, who has lived through the deaths of numerous fellow freedom fighters and his first wife and who has only one surviving son, also made a tongue-in-cheek reference to his longevity.

"I am sad that (Mhlaba) could not be here with us today. He was two years younger than me, but I am sad he is not here," said Mandela.

"He has gone to heaven and we must all travel that route."

Mandela then switched to Xhosa and referred to himself in the third person.

"When Madiba leaves this world, he will go to heaven and introduce himself as Madiba.

"And when the angels tell him there is no place for him in heaven, they will tell him to go to hell - but because he knows what happens in hell, he will refuse to go.

"He has chosen to go to heaven.

"He will then call the ambassador to heaven and say to him that because Madiba helped the poor, can the ambassador not help poor people like him to get into heaven."

- Die Burger