Friends and comrades honour Mandela

Family members and old comrades gathered at Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home on Thursday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the former president's release from prison.

The gathering, arranged by his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and his daughter Zindzi, took place around a dining table in a marquee on the grounds of Mandela's Houghton home.

Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, a Catholic priest detained and tortured during the apartheid years, said the gathering had brought together the people who served on the reception committee that welcomed Mandela on his release after 27 years in jail, on February 11, 1990.

"I am only a priest and I was responsible for Nelson's security that day," he said laughing.

"We are meeting to reminisce. When you look back, the way this country has become normal is unbelievable. There were prophets of doom, but life has gone on and we have done exceptionally well, even though there is still lots to do."

Asked how Mandela was, Mkhatshwa, who went on to become mayor of Tshwane, said: "He looks fine, jolly as ever. Age has taken its toll, but he has not lost his sense of humour."

Among those attending the celebration were Mandela's children and grandchildren, ANC comrades, former activists, and members of government past and present.

They included Cyril Ramaphosa, Bulelani Ngcuka, Saki Macozoma, Valli Moosa, Trevor Manuel, Sydney Mufamadi, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Frank Chikane, Murphy Morobe and Roseberry Sonto.

Also present were Sister Bernard Ncube, Farieda Omar, photographer Alf Kumalo, and former prison warder Christo Brand, who befriended Mandela during his years of incarceration under the apartheid regime.

The group dined and chatted about February 1990, jogging each other's memories, interjecting, laughing and teasing.

Finally Mandela himself appeared and his daughter Zindzi led the clapping as the old man was helped into the marquee with his wife Graca by his side.

The guests sat in a horseshoe around Mandela, while Ramaphosa proposed a toast.

"This has been a historical journey down memory lane. The people here were responsible for arranging your release. These people were in the national reception committee. They worked day and night to secure your release. They were totally ill-prepared to assist your return to society.

"We would like to thank you, Tata, for having given so much of your life, your talent, your intellect, the sacrifices you made to bring us to where we are today.

"You are still an inspiration. We are forever indebted to you, for the leadership and inspiration you provided. We are happy you are a free man, because as you became free, you made us free. Thank you, Tata," said Ramaphosa.

Young Luvuyo Mandela thanked the guests: "Without your work I would not have had a 91-year-old great grandfather. I was four years old when all of this was taking place."

Former warder Brand asked Mandela whether he still exercised.

Madiba replied: "It's not easy, but I do it every now and then. I do feel like I am getting old. Time is flying. I'm not really worried."

His daughter Zindzi said of the event: "I am so happy... blown away. It's deeply emotional for me. It lifted my spirits and that of my dad. He doesn't want to leave, look at him. I never thought it would work out so well."

Zindzi Mandela filmed Thursday's event. The documentary will be broadcast on February 11. - Sapa