EThekwini Municipality Councillors paid tribute to former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and hailed him as an iconic statesman and a true leader, at a Special Council meeting held at the City Hall Main Auditorium on Monday 9 December 2013.
Council unanimously approved a budget not exceeding R5 million to fund a series of special events in honour of Madiba.
The programmes that have been planned by the City include a memorial service, dressing of the City and public viewing areas where the funeral service will be screened live at the City Hall, Moses Mabhida Stadium People’s Park, KwaMashu, Pinetown, uMlazi and Ohlange High school on Sunday, 15 December 2013.
In his address, Mayor James Nxumalo said the nation was still reeling from the shock of the passing of Madiba, whose sincere and deep seated love of freedom, peace and the human race has illuminated the once forgotten continent of Africa into a beacon of prosperity.
“As we gather here this morning for this special Council meeting to pay tribute to this fallen hero, a sportsman, revolutionary, a true servant of the poor. I want us to do this with one clear objective in mind, which is to celebrate a life well lived,” he said.
Mayor Nxumalo also said he will move a motion proposing the erection of a monument in the City in honour of Madiba in the next Council sitting to be held early in the New Year.
He said this was to ensure that the coming generations could draw strength and be reminded of this giant who lived a life worthy to be replicated by all.
Meanwhile, Councillors and members of the public signed the Condolence Books and laid flowers at a special remembrance area outside City Hall. They were joined by African National Congress (ANC) eThekwini Regional Leadership, including Chairperson, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
