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Tribute from Mandela's former private secretary

6 Dec 2013

Zelda la Grange, Nelson Mandela's former private secretary, said the late former President inspired people to forgive, reconcile, care, be selfless, tolerant, and maintain dignity no matter what the circumstances.

Nelson Mandela's former PA, Zelda la Grange. Image: Zelda la Grange Limited.

"I can attest to each of these because these are the ways in which he changed my life over the past 19 years. I am blessed and honoured by the privilege I've had to serve him.

"As we mourn the departure of Madiba, I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I will never see him again, but heroes never die. As sad as it makes me that I will never walk into a room again and see his generous, infectious smile or hear him say 'Oh Zeldina, you are here', I have come to terms with the fact that Madiba's legacy is not dependent on his presence," she said.

La Grange said his legacy will live on beyond everything that has been named after him.

"It will live on in how we feel when we hear his name, the respect and love, the unity he inspired in us as a country but particularly, how we relate to one another.

"Madiba will forever be present in my life because he made me the human being I am today," she said.