South Africa’s first black president died last night at the age of 95.
Nelson Mandela’s historic visit to Brixton is being remembered by residents today, following his death at the age of 95.
South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon drew a carnival-like crowd of over 10,000 people to Brixton’s streets on July 12, 1996.
The South African flag is being flown at half-mast over Lambeth Town Hall, where a book of condolence is also open for people to sign.
Aubrey Nunes, an agent between the anti-racist and the anti-apartheid movement in London at the time of Mandela’s visit, said: “That day was the most important day in the history of Brixton.
“I feel very proud that Brixton was singled out, it was such an honour. Brixton had a long, active record of supporting the freedom struggle and that was presumably registered somewhere.”
People danced and chanted Mandela’s name outside the Brixton Recreation Centre, where he later told the audience: “London was the heartland of the anti-apartheid struggle.”
Mandela was making the first state visit to Britain by a South African president, and was accompanied in Brixton by Prince Charles.
However, Sharon Riley, 28, who was amongst the crowds, told the Victoria Advocate at the time: “I don’t think anybody saw Prince Charles.”
Stuart Horwood, who runs the watch stall on Pope’s road, was on his pitch on the day of the visit: “I remember the carnival atmosphere that we had and just the sense of one love.
“Brixton chooses people and I think Brixton actually chose Nelson Mandela to come here, so I think it was a match made in heaven myself.”
The adoring crowd danced to reggae and calypso music, and at one point surged though the security barriers to surround the South African president.
“There were shoes everywhere on Brixton Road because everyone lost them when they were running,” said bystander Tim Donaghy.
The visit came at a time when Brixton was plagued by rioting, but Mandela’s appearance peacefully united the trouble hit area.
Mandela told the crowd as he left: “I wish I had big pockets so that I could take you home to South Africa.”
Lambeth council leader, Cllr lib Peck, led the tributes to the great man: “This is a sad day for the world – we have lost one of out heroes.
“The adoration with which he was met when he came to Brixton speaks volumes of his importance not just in ending apartheid in South Africa but his status here in Lambeth as a symbol of hope, of possibility and of courage.”
Photo courtesy of South Africa The Good News, with thanks.
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