From Paris with Love – Au Revoir Nelson Mandela
Au Revoir Tata Madiba! Just as South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela illuminated his nation’s lives with messages of peace, hope and inspiration…so too is the world now honouring him by lighting its iconic landmarks in his name. As South Africa and the world bid a final farewell to Tata Madiba, the French will celebrate […]
Au Revoir Tata Madiba! Just as South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela illuminated his nation’s lives with messages of peace, hope and inspiration…so too is the world now honouring him by lighting its iconic landmarks in his name.
As South Africa and the world bid a final farewell to Tata Madiba, the French will celebrate his life by illuminating the Eiffel Tower for three days – 14-16 December – with the words ‘NELSON MANDELA 1918-2013’.
The tower’s light beams will also be lit in the colours of the South African flag.
This very special tribute from the French to a man who clearly meant a lot to not only South Africans, but the whole world, has been arranged by the South Africa-France Seasons 2012 & 2013, in partnership with the City of Paris and SETE (la Sociète d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel). The five-metre high words will light up on the Trocadero facade of the Eiffel Tower.
“We thank the people of France for their support during this painful time,” said Paul Mashatile, South African Minister of Arts and Culture.
“Let us continue celebrating Tata Madiba’s life and the virtues that he stood for. In paying tribute to him, let us also remember that he has run a successful race. He has made his mark. He has earned his rest.
“Madiba will continue to be a source of inspiration, spurring us on to believe that tomorrow will be better than today and yesterday; and that the goal of a caring and more humane world is within reach”.
On Sunday 15 December, the day that Mandela’s funeral is scheduled to take place in his childhood village of Qunu, this tribute will start at 17h30.
1000 Candles for Nelson Mandela
At the same time, a public initiative organised on the Facebook page “The Eiffel Tower and 1000 Candles for Nelson Mandela on 15 December in Paris” has invited Parisians to gather on the Esplanade of Human Rights with a candle.
Each person’s candle is to be lit at 17h30.
The tribute will continue on 16 December, on South Africa’s Day of Reconciliation, a public holiday renamed by Mandela himself.
Bongani Tembe, Commissioner-General of the South African Season in France and renowned South African opera singer, says: “I am convinced that the people of South Africa will be touched deeply by this heart-warming tribute to Madiba. Just as he illuminated our lives with messages of peace, love and inspiration, so too will the Eiffel Tower be lit up in his honour.”
The Seasons will come to a close next week in Paris after approximately 1,000 artists, cultural heritage practitioners, academics, children and sportsmen from South Africa travelled to France to take part in a multi-faceted collaboration between the two countries.
South Africa is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in the reciprocal Seasons, which aims to give the people of both countries a better understanding of each other’s Arts, Culture and Heritage.
In honour of Mandela a garden in central Paris will be named after him at a ceremony to be held next week; the naming ceremony will be attended by Minister Mashatile.
We South Africans say: Merci Paris!