/ 2 July 2013

Stop bickering, Gwede tells Mandela family

The ANC has not stopped campaigning under the name of Nelson Mandela
The ANC has not stopped campaigning under the name of Nelson Mandela

Speaking after a prayer session held for Madiba outside the ANC headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mantashe pleaded with Mandela's children to focus on a common goal: Nelson Mandela.

"They need to take a chapter out of Madiba's life and learn how to find peace against all odds. This ability is the reason why Nelson Mandela and other comrades were able to deliver our freedom," Mantashe told the media.

Mantashe was referring to the on-going feud between the family and Mandela's grandson, Chief Mandla Mandela. Mandla appeared in court on Tuesday for day two of his opposition to a court order to have the bodies of Mandela's three children re-buried in Qunu. Mandela had them exhumed in 2011.

The ANC has however also not stopped campaigning under the name of Nelson Mandela, despite wide criticism that they have hijacked the attention given to Mandela's health and turned it into an election rally.

Chairperson of the ANC Baleka Mbete launched life-sized ANC banners, flags and wrap-arounds with huge images of Mandela adorning Luthuli House and adjacent buildings. 

Tribute song
There was also ANC branded clothing and other merchandise on sale outside the truck where Reverend Vukile Mehana held the prayer meeting.

The party has also officially launched a tribute song for Madiba by musician Zahara, who is also one of South Africa's best-selling artists. Zahara wrote the song last year after she met and sang for Madiba in his home in Qunu.

A part of President Street was closed for the public prayer, which was attended by those working close to Luthuli House. Spokesperson for the ANC Jackson Mthembu and ANC MP Tony Yengeni were also in attendance.

The prayer forms part of the ANC's nationwide prayer congregations, where members of the public are invited to offer prayers in support of Mandela. His condition remains "critical but stable", according to the presidency as he approaches his 95th birthday on July 18. Mandela was admitted to hospital with a recurring lung infection on June 8.