Court has ordered the remains of Nelson Mandela’s
three deceased children to be moved back to the family graveyard at his ancestral
home. Members of his family, including two of his daughters, took court action
against his grandson, Mandla, in a bid to have the remains returned. The Mtatha
High Court in the Eastern Cape has reportedly granted the application today
after Mandla did not attend court and his lawyers said he did not oppose the
move.
The remains of the three deceased children were dug
up and moved from the gravesite at Qunu, near Mandela’s home in 2011 by Mandla
and taken to nearby Mvezo, Mandela’s birthplace. The controversial move was
allegedly done without the approval of the rest of the family.
The court action comes after a reportedly heated
meeting of family members and clan elders earlier this week in Qunu about where
the children will finally rest. The bodies of Nelson Mandela’s deceased
children will be moved to his hometown where he as well plans to be buried.
It is believed that Mandela wishes to be buried at
Qunu, where he grew up, with his children.
His ex wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who has
visited him regularly in hospital, called on the media not to “get carried
away” in their reporting on her former husband’s illness, but thanks them for
their support. “From what he was a few days ago, there is great improvement,
but clinically he is still unwell,” she said.
“Please understand the sensitivities and the feeling
of the family,” added the MP, who tirelessly campaigned for Mandela’s release
during his 27-year imprisonment under apartheid.
“We had no idea of the love out there for us in our
particular situation and if sometimes we sound bitter it is because we are
dealing with a very difficult situation,” she added.
It is the ailing anti-apartheid leader’s 21st day in
hospital. A week ago his condition slipped from serious to critical and he was
reported to be on life support.
As the nation feared the worst he then rallied and
on Thursday President Jacob Zuma announced, after visiting the hospital, that
he was doing better and was now critical but stable.
Outside the hospital well wishers continue to come
with flowers, balloons and cards. Choirs have been signing, there have been
prayers and as the news filtered out that the man South Africans adore for
leading them from apartheid was slightly better the mood was lifted.
Many began expressing hope he would pull through his
latest health battle. They sang rousing revolutionary songs and prayed for his
recovery.
US President Barack Obama landed in South Africa on
Friday on an official visit and on the weekend will visit Robben Island, where
Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.
Released from jail in 1990 Mandela was elected
President in 1994 and oversaw the transition from apartheid and white minority
rule.
He turns 95 on July 18.
0 Comments