Community News
Intimate moments with Siyabulela Mandela Part I; private tour of “Mandela: Struggle for Freedom” with Nelson Mandela’s grandson
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 started out like any morning. I woke up, did my meditation and prayer, worked out, and then I jumped on the computer to check my emails. Our Editor in Chief Grant Browning had forwarded me an email at around 6:15 or so pm, and it read like this:
We just received notice that Nelson Mandela’s great-grandson Siyabulela Mandela will view “Mandela: Struggle for Freedom” tomorrow, Dec 4th, at 2PM.
He is in Toronto to speak on a panel for Journalists for Human Rights.
“Mandela: Struggle for Freedom” is currently on view at the Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge Street. Media release attached.
Background on Siyabulela:http://gmufourthestate.com/2018/10/22/siyabulela-mandela-carries-on-his-grandfathers-legacy/
Please note: December 5th is the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s death (2013). Please let me know if you have interest in attending.
I didn’t even think about it; I sent a message back right away. I will be there. I completed my tasks, and set out. I was not going to miss this experience for anyone or anything. I didn’t know what to expect when I got there, but I knew that I was nervous. I was about to meet the grandson of one of the world’s greatest leaders.
When I arrived, a very nice man met me by the name of Grant. He let me know that Siyabulela had just started the tour, and he took me to the exhibit to meet him. I had already visited the Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibit, but revisiting the exhibit took me back to the original emotions felt when I first saw it. As Grant and I rounded the corner, I saw a young man with beautifully twisted hair, standing with another young man. Grant walked over to them and introduced me, “Siyabulela, Rob, this is Simone. She represents the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, and she is here to join on the tour with you.” My first thought when I saw Siyabulela was that he looked a lot like his grandfather. His eyes, his pronounced cheekbones, his strong presence; I couldn’t help but feel humbled in front of him. I went to give him a handshake, and his response surprised me. “Let me give you a hug. It is nice to meet you Simone.” His warm welcome calmed me down immediately.
It felt very special for me because other then his friend Rob, I was the only one there. As we walked through the exhibit, he shared his wisdom on what was presented to us, and gave us some insight directly from his grandfather. I was curious about how it was for him seeing all of this, and he responded, “I must admit, it is very triggering. Even hearing his voice brings me back, and it stirs the emotions.” Closer to the end of the tour, we were joined by another journalist, and he sat down with us to share his thoughts on the world. The rest of this article is a transcribed copy of his speech. For such a young man, he is very profound; but could there be any doubt? Look out in the New Year for a special feature on this young man, but for now, I leave you with some words from International Speaker and Peace & Reconciliation Activist, Siyabulela Mandela.
“We are enjoying the freedom that we are enjoying because there are people who laid down their lives, sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we are enjoying. With the likes of Nelson Mandela in South Afrika, Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana, the likes of Mugabe in Zimbabwe, the like of Mahatma Gandhi in India, Martin Luther King during the civil rights movement in the United States. It reminds us of the sacrifices that were made, and the way the struggled against the injustices of their time.
It gives us an opportunity to draw inspiration from some of the sacrifices we have made during a time they were waging war against such injustices. It also calls us into action; for this generation to ask ourselves, what is it that we are doing in building upon the foundation that was laid by men and women who fought for the freedoms that we are enjoying.”
Stay tuned to the next edition for more transcribed clips from Siyabulela Mandela’s private talk during his visit to Mandela: Struggle For Freedom exhibit at The Meridian Arts Centre.