Knysna Executive Deputy Mayor Esmé Edge said every South African’s life had in some way been touched by the life, words and deeds of Nelson Mandela. “While we are sad for the gap he leaves behind, we are also grateful that he can now be at peace. After 95 extraordinary years in which so many people had expected so much of him, Madiba can finally rest,” said Edge.
“The Knysna Municipality offers our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and loved ones of Madiba. Our prayers are with you in this sad and demanding time, and we wish that you will nonetheless feel blessed and loved by those around you.”
Edge appealed to the people of the Greater Knysna area to use this time of mourning to show respect and appreciation for Madiba’s legacy of peace and reconciliation. “We know that the collective sadness of this time has the potential of becoming hysterical, but we appeal to all South Africans to let this time be filled with all the hope and positive energy for which Madiba was known, as we believe that that is what he would have wanted.”
Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring said the municipality would open several of its venues as places of tribute from tomorrow (Saturday) where citizens could pay their last respects and write in provided books of tribute. “Representatives of local churches, family support services and non-profit organisations as well as trained counsellors will be available to provide grief counselling. Live broadcasts of Madiba-related coverage will be screened on big screens at all places of tribute.
“The places of tribute, and the times that they will be open, will be advertised and are expected to remain open for the official mourning period of about ten days,” said Waring.
Designated municipal places of tribute are:
- Knysna Leisure Island, Cearn Hall, Leisure Island, 10am-6pm
- Knysna town, Committee Room, Council Building, 8am-4pm
- Dam se Bos, Chris Hani Community Hall, 12pm-7pm
- White Location, Masifunde Library, 12pm-7pm
- Khayalethu, Khayalethu Community Hall, 12pm-7pm
- Smutsville/Sizamile, Smutsville Community Hall, 12pm-7pm
- Hornlee, Hornlee Community Hall, 12pm-7pm
- Sedgefield, Sedgefield Town Hall, 10am-6pm
- Karatara, Karatara Community Hall, 12pm-7pm
- Rheenendal, Rheenendal Community Hall, 12pm-7pm
The usual rules regarding public gatherings will apply, including the banning of alcohol at all sites.
The municipality will keep residents up to date with municipal-related arrangements via loudhaler, the website www.knysna.gov.za and twitter @KnysnaMuni.
