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December 2013

“When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace” ~ Nelson rolihlahla Mandela 1918 - 2013

World leaders and mourners gather to say fi nal goodbye

Celebrating a life unlike any other, a life of a Giant of History

Nelson rolihlahla Mandela 1918 - 2013

Local News

I read about Nelson Mandela all the time and i realise how much of a hero was, I find strength in knowing his journey.

PERFECT INSPIRATION

Mariam Maluk

One of the Greatest leader of our time, he stayed true to what he believed in throughout his life despite the lifethreatening

discomforts posed by the environment

Isaac Serapelo

Eve Queeniie Parkes

Rest Tata. This made me sad.

Sarah Schechter"A winner is a

dreamer who never gives up." -Nelson

Mandela.May he Rest in

Peace & may his best works never be

forgotten.

"The greatest

man on the planet has died. RIP

"I'm stunned, crushed, in mourning with you and his family, I feel only honoured to have portrayed him. He's in a better place now. RIP

NM." -- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom star,

Idris Elba

"Thank you for all you have sacrificed to

improve the loves of other human beings.

Rest in peace." --

Beyoncé

Never wanted this day to come. Tears.

So heartbroken.

Bonang Matheba

"One of the great honors of my life was to be invited to Nelson Mandela's home, spend private time and get to know him. He

was everything you've ever heard and more -- humble and unscathed by bitterness. And he always loved to tell a good joke. Being in his presence was like sitting with grace and majesty at

the same time.He will always be my hero. His life was a gift to us all."

Oprah Winfrey

Final goodbye to Nelson Mandela

Machael and Madikizela-Mandela attend official memorial service for the late South African president Mandela in Johannesburg

Winnie Mandela and daughter Zindzi arrive for the official memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg

Rihanna: One of the greatest men who’s

ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has taught us, and we will never truly

comprehend the level of strength that it took

for him to endure many of his years!!

Thank you #Mandela -

Nicki Minaj: A complete and fulfilled life of a King. We could never repay you for your dedicated, passionate fight against injustice. We enjoy the very liberties you

gave your freedom for. Your legacy will never die. Thank you, and may God bless your soul. ***Madaraka

kwa watu*** - NickiMinaj

One of our GREATEST leaders

... Thank you for the true meaning of compassion. May

you be at peace now. RIP Nelson Mandela

Justin Timberlake

He was here, made a mark to the world, until the end. May

his soul rest in peace

M Rukundu

"Today, mingled with our grief is the enormous pride that one of us has, during his lifetime and now, in your death,

united the people of South Africa and the entire world on a scale never seen in history."

“man who changed mankind”US President Barack Obama

"Thank you. Thank you for being everything we needed

and wanted in a leader during a difficult period in our lives…

for building a free South Africa," President Jacob Zuma

Will Smith

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The late South African President Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela

Winnie Mandela and Graca Machael at the offi cial memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan joins the congregation

U2 singer Bono sits alongside South African actress Charlize Theron ahead of the memorial

info.northgatenews.co.za PAGE 3December 2013

The late South African President Nelson Mandela's grandson Mbuso Man-dela (L) delivering a speech next to great-granddaughter Phumla Mandela (C) and grandson Zozuko Dlamini Mandela

PAGE 4 info.northgatenews.co.za December 2013

World leaders and mourners gather to say fi nal goodbye

On Tuesday, 10th of December Heads of States, presidents, ex-presidents and high profi le leaders gathered at the FNB Stadium to celebrate the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who died on the 5th of December after battling a recurring lung infection at the age of 95.

The 95 000 capacity soccer venue was the same place that Nelson Mandela made his last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

Despite the rain, thousands of South Africans remained in the stadium to send off the icon. While the choir sang “Oh Lord let your will be done” Former President Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele arrives followed by F W De Klerk and his wife Elita.

By 10:58 representatives from over 100 countries had arrived and applause erupts as people saw the US President Barack Obama for the fi rst time in the stadium.

Barack Obama delivered an emotional tribute to Nelson Mandela at a rowdy memorial service for the former South African president.

Speaking at the FNB Stadium before a crowd of more than 80,000 - including representatives from more than 100 countries - President Obama said he was there to mark a life “unlike any other” and the “last great liberator of the 20th century”.

He drew parallels between Mandela’s fi ght against the apartheid regime and the civil rights movement in the United States, saying Madiba’s achievements meant it was tempting to remember him as a “serene and smiling icon”.

But he said: “It was precisely because he could admit to imperfection - because he could be so full of good humor, even mischief, despite the heavy burdens he carried - that we loved him so.”

Obama said Mandela showed the world the power of action and ideas, which he then “chiseled into laws and institutions”.

He went on to say that although his death was a time for mourning, Mandela’s passing should also prompt the question: “How well have I applied his lessons in my own life?”

He added: “It is a question I ask myself - as a man and as a President.”

Former US President Bill Clinton (frontR), his wife former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) and their daughter Chelsea and former US President George W. Bush (backR) and his wife Laura Bush attending the memorial service

George W. Bush talks to Gordon Brown during memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg

Former South African president Frederik Willem de Klerk (C)waves as he arrives on stage

Representatives from over 100 countries at Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s memorial at FNB StadiumOn Tuesday, 10th of December Heads of States, presidents, ex-presidents and high profi le leaders gathered at the FNB Stadium to celebrate the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who died on the 5th of December after battling a recurring lung infection at the age of 95.

The 95 000 capacity soccer venue was the same place that Nelson Mandela made his last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

Despite the rain, thousands of South Africans remained in the stadium to send off the icon. While the choir sang “Oh Lord let your will be done” Former President Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele arrives followed by F W De Klerk and his wife Elita.

By 10:58 representatives from over 100 countries had arrived and applause erupts as people saw the US President

of the 20th century”.He drew parallels between Mandela’s

fi ght against the apartheid regime and the civil rights movement in the United States, saying Madiba’s achievements meant it was tempting to remember him as a “serene and smiling icon”.

But he said: “It was precisely because he could admit to imperfection - because he could be so full of good humor, even mischief, despite the heavy burdens he carried - that we loved him so.”

Obama said Mandela showed the world the power of action and ideas, which he then “chiseled into laws and institutions”.

He went on to say that although

Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaOn Tuesday, 10th of December Heads Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaOn Tuesday, 10th of December Heads Speaking at the FNB Stadium Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaSpeaking at the FNB Stadium Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaOn Tuesday, 10th of December Heads Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaOn Tuesday, 10th of December Heads of States, presidents, ex-presidents Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaof States, presidents, ex-presidents and high profi le leaders gathered at the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaand high profi le leaders gathered at the FNB Stadium to celebrate the life of Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaFNB Stadium to celebrate the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who died Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaNelson Rolihlahla Mandela who died on the 5th of December after battling Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaon the 5th of December after battling a recurring lung infection at the age of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaa recurring lung infection at the age of

Speaking at the FNB Stadium Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaSpeaking at the FNB Stadium before a crowd of more than 80,000 - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelabefore a crowd of more than 80,000 - including representatives from more Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaincluding representatives from more than 100 countries - President Obama Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelathan 100 countries - President Obama said he was there to mark a life “unlike Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelasaid he was there to mark a life “unlike any other” and the “last great liberator Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaany other” and the “last great liberator of the 20th century”.Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaof the 20th century”.

info.northgatenews.co.za PAGE 5December 2013

World leaders and mourners gather to say fi nal goodbye

“Over 30 years ago, while still a student, I learned of Mandela and the struggles in this land. It stirred something in me. It woke me up to my responsibilities, to others, and to myself, and set me on an improbable journey that fi nds me here today.

“And while I will always fall short of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be a better man. He speaks to what is best inside us.”

Former president Nelson Mandela was returned to his home village of Qunu on Sunday in a state funeral that saw political tributes and tears fl ow.

He was was buried at about 12.40pm.The farewell by the country and fellow

African leaders was a reluctant one."We did not want to confront the

reality of your mortality," President Jacob Zuma said in a eulogy that tried to address doubts about the country's current leadership voiced in the wake of Mandela's death.

"Thank you. Thank you for being everything we needed and wanted in a leader during a diffi cult period in our lives… for building a free South Africa," Zuma told the estimated 4 500 mourners in Qunu.

Zuma said an outpouring of grief across South Africa in the past 10 days was the nation's natural response to the goodness Mandela had radiated.

"As your journey ends today, ours must continue in earnest. One thing we can assure you of today, Tata, as you take your fi nal steps, is that South Africa will continue to rise," he said.

"We plan to take your vision forward."The mourners gathered early for the

funeral in a marquee on Mandela's family farm, awaiting Mandela's casket that was carried through green countryside in a military procession and placed on cowhides.

European dignitaries included Britain's Prince Charles, Monaco's Prince Albert and former French prime minister Lionel

Jospin.African leaders included Tanzanian

President Jakaya Kikwete, Malawian President Joyce Banda and Zambia's fi rst post-colonial president Kenneth Kaunda—all of whom delivered eulogies.

Former president Thabo Mbeki was brought to tears as Kikwete recalled anecdotes of ANC leaders' days in exile in Dar-es-Salaam, including how Mandela left behind boots that languished in the capital for three decades after he was jailed by the apartheid regime.

Banda saluted the quiet dignity of Mandela's widow Graça Machel.

"Women across South Africa have told me these past 10 days that they are very proud of you and what you have taught us as African women."

After she spoke, there was laughter when ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa teasingly said she was from "Malawi. Yes, Malawi"—a reference to a recent faux pas by Zuma when he lamented the poor state of roads in that country.

Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela smiled and playfully poked Zuma, who chuckled.

'I do not know who to turn to'Members of Mandela's family spoke

at the service, but the most heart-rending tribute came from his close friend and fellow Robben Island prisoner Ahmed Kathrada, who spoke of being bereft after losing the man he

considered a brother."My life is in a void and I do

not know who to turn to."He was my elder brother,"

Kathrada said, adding that Mandela had shown love and tolerance in abundance, and that the outpouring of grief over his death had shown how connected South Africans felt to him.

"Today, mingled with our grief is the enormous pride that one of us has, during his lifetime and now, in your death, united the people of South Africa and the entire world on a scale never seen in history."

Mandela's casket was carried from the funeral tent just past noon to be buried in the family gravesite—in keeping with Xhosa custom that dictates that the dead are laid to rest when the sun is at it highest.

Zuma, Mbeki and past and present Cabinet ministers followed on foot.

Mandela was to be buried beside his parents and his son in the family graveyard at a ceremony that would gather only 450 mourners and be presided over by Methodist church general secretary Vuyani Nyobole.

Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu attended in a last-minute change of heart after saying on Saturday he had cancelled plans to go to Qunu after fi nding he had not been invited.

Faced with the wrath of one of Mandela's close friends and allies, the ANC dismissed the imbroglio as a misunderstanding and insisted that he was welcome.

It had caused speculation that Tutu had been sidelined because of his caustic criticism of the current government.

All indications were that grudges had been fi rmly set aside for Mandela's funeral, as senior ANC members who have fallen foul of Zuma attended—among them former Cabinet minister Tokyo Sexwale.

Ramaphosa appealed that those not on the list of 450 people not to go to the site.

"This is being done because there isn't suffi cient space ... nobody should ever feel excluded or undermined."

Those attending the burial would be Mandela family members. They would be accompanied by the military command, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, her deputy, and pall-bearers.

Former and current heads of state, deputy heads of state and fi rst ladies would accompany Zuma to the burial. African Union chairman and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn would also attend, along with 15 traditional leaders and 15 religious leaders.

Members of the ANC's national working committee and inter-ministerial committee, and 10 members of the ANC's Eastern Cape leadership would also attend the burial.

National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu and his deputy Nomaindia Mfeketo would attend, as would Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and deputy Dikgang Moseneke.

Businessman Richard Branson would also be allowed to attend the burial. - Sapa

Mandela buried in QunuFormer president Nelson Mandela was buried shortly before 1pm on sunday in Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

US President Barack Obama delivered a rousing tribute to Mandela in a speech that had crowds at the FNB Stadium cheering

Representatives from over 100 countries at Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s memorial at FNB Stadium

everything we needed and wanted in a leader during a diffi cult period in our lives… for building a free South Africa," Zuma told the estimated 4 500 mourners in Qunu.

Zuma said an outpouring of grief across South Africa in the past 10 days was the nation's natural response to the goodness Mandela had radiated.

"As your journey ends today, ours must continue in earnest. One thing we can assure you of today, Tata, as you take your fi nal steps, is that South Africa will continue to rise," he said.

"We plan to take your vision forward."The mourners gathered early for the

funeral in a marquee on Mandela's family

apartheid regime.Banda saluted the quiet dignity of

Mandela's widow Graça Machel."Women across South Africa have

told me these past 10 days that they are very proud of you and what you have taught us as African women."

After she spoke, there was laughter when ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa teasingly said she was from "Malawi. Yes, Malawi"—a reference to a recent faux pas by Zuma when he lamented the poor state of roads in that country.

Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela smiled and playfully poked Zuma, who chuckled.

minute change of heart after saying on Saturday he had cancelled plans to go to Qunu after fi nding he had

Faced with the wrath of one of Mandela's close friends and allies, the ANC dismissed the imbroglio as a misunderstanding and insisted that he was welcome.

It had caused speculation that Tutu had been sidelined because of his caustic criticism of the current government.

All indications were that grudges had been fi rmly set aside for Mandela's funeral, as senior ANC members who have fallen foul of Zuma attended—among them former Cabinet minister Tokyo Sexwale.

journey that fi nds me here today.“And while I will always fall short

of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be a better man. He speaks to what is best inside us.”

Ramaphosa appealed that those not on the list of 450 people not to go to the site.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela“Over 30 years ago, while still a Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela“Over 30 years ago, while still a Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaNelson Rolihlahla MandelaNelson Rolihlahla Mandelareality of your mortality," President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelareality of your mortality," President Jacob Zuma said in a eulogy that tried Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaJacob Zuma said in a eulogy that tried to address doubts about the country's Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelato address doubts about the country's current leadership voiced in the wake of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelacurrent leadership voiced in the wake of Mandela's death.Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMandela's death.

"Thank you. Thank you for being Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela"Thank you. Thank you for being everything we needed and wanted in a Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaeverything we needed and wanted in a

brought to tears as Kikwete recalled Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelabrought to tears as Kikwete recalled anecdotes of ANC leaders' days in Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaanecdotes of ANC leaders' days in exile in Dar-es-Salaam, including Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaexile in Dar-es-Salaam, including how Mandela left behind boots that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelahow Mandela left behind boots that languished in the capital for three Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelalanguished in the capital for three decades after he was jailed by the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandeladecades after he was jailed by the apartheid regime.Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaapartheid regime.

minute change of heart after saying Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaminute change of heart after saying on Saturday he had cancelled plans Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelaon Saturday he had cancelled plans to go to Qunu after fi nding he had Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelato go to Qunu after fi nding he had not been invited.Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelanot been invited.

Faced with the wrath of one of Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaFaced with the wrath of one of Mandela's close friends and allies, Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMandela's close friends and allies, the ANC dismissed the imbroglio Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelathe ANC dismissed the imbroglio Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela“Over 30 years ago, while still a Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela“Over 30 years ago, while still a

student, I learned of Mandela and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelastudent, I learned of Mandela and the struggles in this land. It stirred Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelathe struggles in this land. It stirred something in me. It woke me up to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelasomething in me. It woke me up to my responsibilities, to others, and to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelamy responsibilities, to others, and to myself, and set me on an improbable Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelamyself, and set me on an improbable journey that fi nds me here today.Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelajourney that fi nds me here today.Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaNelson Rolihlahla MandelaHe said he and wife Michelle had

benefi ted from the struggles of people like Mandela, and reminded the crowd that Mandela’s story was part of his own.

He concluded: “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. But let me say to the young people of Africa, and young people around the world - you can make his life’s work your own.

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The year end function was held at the Coca-Cola Dome in the Salon Prive Room. Northgate tenants were invited to let their wild side out as the theme was Jungle Jive. A presentation regarding the Northgate events and news for 2013/2014 was presented by Northgate GM Kobus Weyers accompanied by a research presentation by Kobus van der Wyver. The evening hosted great entertainment, superb food and a good party to end off a successful 2013.

Year end function for Northgate Mall Tenants

Cradlestone Mall adds to West rand shoppers’ choiceJOHANNESBURG shoppers certainly cannot complain about a lack of choice, with yet another new super-regional shopping centre, the 76,000m² Cradlestone Mall, opening its doors on the West Rand on Wednesday after a two-year construction period.

The R1.3bn development, jointly owned by Sasol Pension Fund, developer Retail Africa and Pivotal Property Fund, is the largest shopping centre to be built in the greater Johannesburg area since the 85,000m² Greenstone Mall opened in April 2007, another Sasol Pension Fund development.

Fund investment manager Andries Schaap said Cradlestone’s close to 200 stores were 94% let. Anchor tenants include Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Game with FoodCo, Dion Wired and the Edcon Group.

Food Lover’s Market and Dis-Chem would open outlets early next year.

He said the centre, which was located just off the N14 Krugersdorp highway on Hendrik Potgieter Road, also had a line-up of international fashion retailers such as Gap, Gap Kids and Australia’s Cotton On group,

which had opened a 1,400m² store, larger than its flagship Sandton City store, as well as a Typo (stationery) and Factorie (fashion) outlet.

Mr Schaap said the Cradlestone Mall was well positioned to attract middle-to higher-income shoppers from Krugersdorp, Roodepoort and Randpark Ridge, as well as from North West province and even Botswana.

The mall is within a 10km radius of three other super-regional centres — Clearwater Mall, Northgate Shopping Centre and Key West Mall — which raises questions about whether the area is not oversupplied with retail space.

Retail Africa co-founder Jannie Kruger conceded that Johannesburg’s retail landscape had become highly contested but said he believed that Cradlestone’s prime location at the intersection of the N14 and R28 highways would give the centre a competitive edge.

"We are ideally situated in the middle of two of Gauteng’s fastest-growing consumer markets — higher-middle-income households from the Ruimsig, Strubens Valley and Roodepoort area, as well as lower-income households further west to Mogale City,’’ Mr Kruger said.

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SPORT www.northgatenews.co.za December 2013

send us your sporting recent activies/eventsJohannesburg – Former boxing champion Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala died in Johannesburg on the 7th of December, said family spokesman Pastor Ray McCauley.

“He died at 11am at Charlotte Maxeke

(Johannesburg) Academic Hospital, after a lung problem,” said McCauley, of Rhema Church.

His death came as a shock, said boxing manager and publicist Brian Mitchell.

“It’s great loss for South

African boxing,” he said.The ANC released a

statement expressin great sadness at the death of the fighter - especially since it came in the same week

as the death of Nelson Mandela.

“(Baby Jake’s) passing today is a further painful blow to the hearts of South Africans already shattered

by the sad news of the death of the father of the nation - Nelson Mandela.

“With his tiny frame and lethal blows that achieved him iconic status amongst South Africans, Matlala demonstrated the greatest that a combination of a good head and a good heart could achieve. This is the character that Madiba embodied. He was a small giant; a small dynamite whose impact far outweighed its size.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of such an amazing soul and courageous human being. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the boxing fraternity.”

Arguably the most successful boxer produced by South Africa, Matlala was often described as the little big man, South Africa’s smallest boxing giant, or the small fighter with the big heart.

Boxing’s ‘little big man’ BuriedFour times a world

champion in the flyweight (50kg) section, he was born in Meadowlands, Soweto on August 1, 1962. His father gave his only child not just boxing lessons, but also life lessons.

“My parents taught me to be focused. I went to school in Soweto. When I came home I did household chores,” Matlala said in an interview published on safrica.info.co.za.

His professional career began in Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape, in February 1980 and, by the time he retired in March 2002, his record stood at more than 50 victories.

His titles included World Boxing Organisation flyweight champion in 1993, the light flyweight title in 1995, the International Boxing Association junior flyweight title in 1997 and the World Boxing Union (WBU) flyweight title in 2001.

He was the only South African boxer to have won four world titles and, at 147cm, he was the shortest man to have been a world champion.

Matlala said in an interview in 2003 that he had stopped boxing because there were no big names left for him to fight.

Matlala, who completed a BCom degree at the University of SA, was never put off by being the shorter one in the ring.

“Height is not an issue, it’s in the mind,” he said.

His strategy was simple – he constantly threw punches at his opponent’s body, until the opponent got tired, and let his head down.

“I work the body, then the head will come,” said Matlala.

His death came just days after that of former president Nelson Mandela, who was a boxer in his younger days, and a fan on Matlala’s.

Mandela and US actor Will Smith attended Matlala’s farewell fight.

Afterwards Matlala presented his WBU belt to Mandela.

When he retired, Matlala remained actively involved in the community, helped to raise funds for HIV/Aids programmes and supported the SA Police

Service in its campaign to get members fit.

He starred in the television reality dance show Strictly Come Dancing, endearing himself to viewers with his amiable personality, even though he was not as comfortable with dancing steps as boxing footwork.

He also had to deal with bad media coverage in his day. In the late 1990s, a family friend claimed that he had raped her. He settled the matter out of court. Some newspapers suggested he paid out as much as R1 million.

Shortly after his retirement, a business venture in which he was involved, fast food outlet Jake’s Diner, suffered severe financial losses.

Matlala tried his hand at motivational speaking and enjoyed a stint as a boxing commentator.

However, by the time of his death, he was said to be financially down and out.

In 2010, Golden Gloves boxing promoter Rodney Berman arranged a black-tie charity fight called The Night of the Little Big Man to raise funds for Matlala to cover his medical costs after he was hospitalised for weeks, reportedly with double pneumonia.

Matlala died last Saturday aged 51 after a struggle with lung problems, dying two days after Mandela. He was buried in Johannesburg.

Yet even in the midst of its deep mourning for Madiba, South Africa made sure to also remember “Baby Jake”.

President Jacob Zuma, the ANC and even Mandela’s family shared words of tribute for a boxer referred to by fans as “the little man with the big heart”.

In perhaps its greatest praise, the ANC said Matlala showed the same good characteristics “that Madiba embodied”.

Matlala was so popular with Mandela that the former president attended his final fight in 2002, when Matlala successfully defended his WBU junior flyweight title and made his way into the crowd afterward to present the belt to Mandela, who was watching with Hollywood actor Will Smith.

Matlala had a 53-13-2 record in a 22-year professional career. SAPA

rEsT iN pEaCE

Nelson

rolihlahla Mandela

The Giant of History