Embalming 'not a bad idea'
2003-08-01 10:00
East London - The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the planned proposal to embalm former president Nelson Mandela and place his body in a glass casket.
The ANC branch in Port Elizabeth revealed its plans last week to propose Mandela's body be embalmed and displayed in order to preserve it for future generations.
Media reports stated the Port Elizabeth branch intended to discuss the matter with senior ANC officials.
They felt that a tombstone would not adequately represent the Mandela legacy.
ANC provincial spokesperson Phakamisa Hobongwana said the plan was not a bad idea.
"It's been done elsewhere. However they have to consult first - involve as many people as possible in such fields."
Hobongwana felt people could embalm their bodies if they had the necessary resources.
But some people did not share the same view.
Former Eastern Cape premier Raymond Mhlaba was reported to have said last week that according to Mandela's culture corpses should be buried.
The idea of putting him into a glass casket to be viewed by the whole world was unacceptable.
Nelson Mandela Foundation chairperson Professor Jakes Gerwel said the plan is a "silly idea".
"We have not been approached officially - we only read about it in the press without a formal proposal. We cannot comment on what we read from the press - neither can Mr Mandela."
He said they were not sure whether the plan to embalm Mandela and have him on view was an idea by the ANC in the province or only its Port Elizabeth branch.
- SAPA