I had an interesting debate with some friends a few days back. Out of five of us present, four of us had met Nelson Mandela.
I am really interested to find out how many people i know, or read this blog or know of who have met Madiba.
Personally I have met the incredible man 5 times and said a speech in front of and for him and 4000 people. That was a wonderful achievement for me.
There are people around the world whose last wish is to meet the man and I have. Have you?
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March 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
yep i met him. played the national anthem for him on violin!!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Yup I met him. My grandfather was Winnie Mandela’s lawyer while she was banned to Brandfort (small town in the Free State).
We have a letter than Mandela wrote to my grandmother which is pretty powerful.
Last year when we met him he was already darned old, but still very very statute. It was amazing.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I met him too. Bumped into him in a toyshop in Sandton over 10 years ago. He was gracious and charming to me and my two little boys. I felt as though I had met a supreme being and walked on air for the next week.
March 10th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Met the great man when i was in my teens, just after he got released, at the joburg city hall. My dads friend arranged a meet the great man evening. Awesome human being. If only we could all be more like him.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:14 am
yes in england when he was visiting the city,it was several years ago when i was a kid,i just remember feeling so calm,humbled and blessed in his presence,an almost holy experience!he is truly a living saint
March 13th, 2008 at 9:57 am
You guys are so fortunate to have met him, wow! I haven’t, but my wife and I attended the first 46664 concert and saw him on stage. When he walked onto the stage the crowd went absolutely crazy. 40,000 people must have clapped, screamed and jumped up and down for a good two minutes. Was an incredible experience. The man is such a legend. I’d love to meet him.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
yes i met him when he was granted freedom of the city in Cape Town a few years ago, I did not realise that he was as tall as he is. And his handshake was so firm and genuine.
March 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I met him just after his release, with Lekota, Niehaus and Naude in Shell House in 1991, on a tour a few of our Dutch Reform theology students undertook to engage in dialogue about apartheid, mainly with our own denomination wanting to calrify from Heyns and the like the demonification of black South African. Apart from the 2-hour discussion with the gentlemen at Shell House, sadly ‘my own people’ (excuse this derilict term) disappoint.
Nelson Mandela was as always, gracious, forgiven, charming and extremely inspiring. I trust that spirit continue far into the future.
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
yup, met him too.
whilst mandela was president, i was friends with a minister’s son. wont mention which minister for safety (of the ex-minister’s family), but i was chilling at their house when madiba walked in.
was quite….ummmmm……caught by surprise. as i was just chilling with a friend, i had my usual ripped jeans and scruffy t-shirt on, far-stretch from the proper attire one would like to wear when meeting the then-president.
however, as enlightening as an article like this is, i find it sad that the current form of the anc does not represent madiba’s values at all.
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Hugh, ye, I get you and I agree if you read my Chris Hani post, that’s my message too. Hani would be a bit dissapointed with the current sphere of things. But wow, again with the negative. Wasn’t it an incredible feeling? No baggage, just amazing to meet the man that changed the country?
April 24th, 2008 at 8:01 am
The most amazing thing is that a world icon, who was locked away for so long is so accessible. I was priviliged to meet him twice and both times I was struck by how tall he is and how gentle he seems.
It is ironic that I was brought up to fear this “evil terrorist”. So many of my friends and loved ones were tormented by national service to defend our country against the evils of communism.
Tata Madiba himself said apartheid has left deep scars on all of us.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Met the ex president when I was a teen. It was a Childrens Day at Freedom Square
May 5th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I met Mandela on 6 occasions. The first was in the old “Shell House” I had to deliver documents there and the next moment there he stood, Thabo Mbeki and Joe Slovo was standing next to him. I walked up to him and shook his hand and was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t say anything. The other times was working for children’s charities. The last time I met him my father was with us and when Mandela saw me, he greeted me and immediately greeted me in Afrikaans “Hello, hoe gaan dit met jou? Onthou jy my nog, ek is Mandela” He is a special person with a great sense of humour. He always try and make you feel special when you are with him.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Hi Nic
Iam very frustrated, the simplest thing that is required on any website is not correct/updated.I have wasted so muct time trying to find a telephone number for Randburg traffic department, geez, the numbers there are wrong or there is no answer.Goverment departments should be up to date, if they have shortfalls, SA, is 100% mispresented.Sadly SA does not rock
May 20th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Met him and was lucky enough to shake his hand….[I feel like groupie when it comes to Madiba]! Happened ages ago though when he was president – would like to have a chat – was on my wish list! Very cool experience something I am sure my grandchildren one say will be in awe of!
May 21st, 2008 at 7:40 am
I saw him unveil a bronze statue of himself in Parliament Square,London, a true living legend. Did not get to shake his hand but felt his presence in almost a spiritual way. The crowd chanted “Madeba” Can anyone help, does Madeba mean Leader or something more.
There were government officals, famous movie and music stars, even the American Jesse Jackson and body guards who arrived late after the Great Man himself. Shame on him!
A gospel choir sang, the Great Man gave a speech, the sun shone, an amazing hour which I will never forget.
May 26th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I met Madiba twice, how lucky am I? When I left SA to travel the world in 94, I quickly learnt that as a travelling South African, I’d better learn all there is to know about the history of our country (and apartheid), so I really, really, really wanted to meet the “Magic” man when I got back. The first time I just stood there, shaking his hand and mumbling incoherently (I may even have dribbled a little).. The second time he said ‘nice to see you again’ – I almost cried. What a beautiful person and what a solid reminder of everything good.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Nope, and i do`t want to.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
he`s a terrorist for crying out loud
May 28th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Whatdoesitmatter – you’re kidding right??
June 4th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I met Madiba in 1998, while he was still president. Our debating team was in Pretoria and we drove past his home as he drove in. We “debated” with the gate man until he let us leave a note, which we did, with our phone number on. We had hardly driven off when we received a call and an invitation for tea. He had some time before meeting Kofi Annan and spent 47 minutes talking with us and signing personalised notes for us, on the presedential stationery. Amazing stuff. He was HUGE and gentle and extremely perceptive and kind.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Reading all these comments, is there anyone in the country who actually DIDN’T meet the big man yet?
I had the priviledge of meeting him a few years ago at Billy The Bum’s, where he was having a quiet drink with Tokyo and Jay Naidoo, whilst watching the Stormers on the big screen.
A true legend of a man.
June 16th, 2008 at 5:20 am
met him twice. Shook his hand at a cricekt game when i was 8 years old. Then shook his hand again when i worked for Highveld stereo when i was 22 yers old.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I haven’t, but I have seen him in the distance at the very first concert they had for him after his release many moons ago. Would still love to have the chance to. Happy Birthday to a great man on 18 July 2008 wow he is going to be 90!!!!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Had the privilege of meeting him in the North West Province when we hosted a fun day for his charity, Nelson Mandela Childrens Trust. We were on stage entertaining the kids when he joined us on stage – yes, his height is something that does stand out but its impossible to explain the power of his presence – makes one extremely emotional! I just wish our modern leaders who have had an easier ‘walk to freedom’ were nearly as humble and gracious!
July 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Hey Nic,
Funny how you should ask… Nope I havent met tat’ Mandela, yet…hence the tune: ‘Asimbonangu Mandela thina…’ This saddens me as I know I should be greatful for everything he has provided…But I can tell you one thing it would signify so much to my life if I were to meet him…yes, my life has been that of one living in the shadows of the legends conjured under an african sky.
Anyways, just in time for his 90th birthday. I was inspired by him to write a haiku about his experience in the struggle against apartheid, injustice. As we all know Madiba was a freedom fighter for peace, justice and racial segregation in South Africa. Now – A great reference to universal and general respect values.
He has gained reputable recognition for his charisma. As an ANC comrade he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize when the NP’s apartheid regime bowed to the pressure of the people. He enacted an act that made racism illegal and it was used to force conservatives to abandon discrimination practices.
Madiba, is now one of the leading 21st century statesmen in the world and respected by all!!!
I have much respect for him, and would love to meet him, someday soon!!!
Respect Haiku – ODE to Nelson Mandela
by Azola
A political prisoner, Trailed, treasoner
Imprisoned, rebuked, ostracised – Finally on his release
Is elected president, I respect
Thought I should share,
(^^,)Azola
July 17th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I was still a young boy when i met him at the University of Fort Hare Sport Complex in Alice in 1995, i was only 10. But it feels like i have just met him yesterday. I am definitely going to meet Madiba again and this time, we will even take a picture together.
From reading his biography ” Long walk to freedom”, I was happy to see that he used to go to my township (Ntselamanzi) to play boxing, go to discos and look for girls (My grandmother is one of them) while they were naughty students at Fort-Hare. To me, that is a privillege on its own.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I shook Madiba’s hand (after pretending to be someone else and getting past the securities). I do not know if that count as meeting. I remember thinking: ” He is huge!” I looked up at the legend in front of me as if in a dreamworld, especially when the legend said: ” How are you, my dear?” Untill today I cannot recall what I answered.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Yep, met him twice. I met him some ten years ago in Sunnyside Pretoria, he was visiting a boy suffering from cancer.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
i met him too…ten years ago in cape town got to shake his hand and we had a small chat…i felt i was living a dream…amazing human being…i fell blessed i met him!
October 7th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Yep have met the great man had an interview with him in his house at Qunu, and then coffee and biscuits awesome experience!
October 9th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Frankly,
I consider myself fortunate to have met the Freemason Assassin who twice refused multi-million Dollar contracts to assassinate Mandela, and in my opinion, he was a far more honest, courageous man (too brutally honest, for too many people’s politically correct thought police)
Mandela ain’t what you people think he is; and he is one hell of a damn good actor; but as time goes on, more shall wake up to the legacy of the real Mandela — his legacy to 1994 was real; but since then… a sad pathetic story
In 2002, Mandela declined a request via the National Intelligence Agency, to inform the blac people of Africa (the same one’s he told to breed like rabbits) about the iatrogenic biological warfare origins of AIDS, and to support black Africa’s education about the iatrogenic depopulation consequences of slave and cannon fodder breeding!
As Voltaire said, ‘it is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere’…
JAGCorpSwans last blog post..Is an Ethical Emotional, Financial, Political or Military Reputation, based on Honour?
November 8th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Yip, met him in March 2008. He’s taken the time to meet each of the students who have received his Mandela-Rhodes scholarship since 2005. Got chat with him for like 3 minutes!
“Education, education, education” was the general theme!
Got to see him again in August, at his Cape Town house, where Barclays announced a huge cash donation to the scholarship programme…
He remains, for me, a living symbol of moral authority – a virtue lacking in most of today’s leaders, political or not.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I didn’t meet him in person but I was a waiter at his inauguration. I attended Affies (staunch white Afrikaner school in Pretoria) at the time and all of the standard 9 and 10′s who wanted could help serve the guests at the party held in the Union Building gardens.
April 4th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
No I have not met Madiba, but would love to still do so…any suggestions as to how this might still be possible? I admire and respect him and have always hoped to get an opportunity…maybe someone can help make it happen for me?
May 31st, 2009 at 12:23 am
Whoa… this site is pretty awesome
your layout is really well designed, and your blogs are (judging from what i’ve read) very interesting. heehee… consider yourself favorited. 
June 1st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
The day I meet mandela, I may also kill him as I have no time for terrorists! The useless nationalist government of vorster, botha and mandela’s clerk, should have hanged him rather than saving him so the media can make a hero out of him wich he ( mandela ) never was and never will be!
June 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I have met the icon of the world, long time ago it was around 1993/94 in the place called Qwaqwa in the Freestate province.By that time he was canvarsing for elections and i was 16 or17 years and now im 32 Yeh MADIBA is a man from God.
August 13th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Nic,
Mandella was trialed and arrested. He was guilty. Let’s not forget that. I have never ever read any article where it was stated that he was jained Innocently.
Mandella is not the man who changed this country. De Klerk was involved too. Note they share the Nobel piece price for that.
The biggest mistake Mandella made (and he admitted to it) is never doing anything on HIV/AIDS when he was President. Look back in history and you will see this, as he never spoke out, took a stance, or did anything to stop it or even admit that it existed and are killing thousands of people. I wish he took a harder stance as we may have saved a few people.
Every saint has faults. I do however respect him very much, and hope that he lives forever. Once he is gone…..man…things are going to go from bad to worst in ZA.
A friend of mine works for Stephen Hawkins. He met Mandella. My friend is in the US this week with Stephen and will meet Obama also. He has to date met most of the famous people in the world! Cool hu?
April 9th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Mandela came to visit our high school one afternoon while we played rugby. we all stood in a que and shook his hand. legend.
April 13th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
In the year after Mandela becamse president I attended a DR church service in Pretoria with my mother – totally by chance – she went because a friend was having a special occasion. In the cloakroom someone asked if I had come to see Mandela and I nearly shot throught the roof!
It turned out that the President always attended a church service in Cape Town after opening of Parliament and Mr Mandela decided to do the same in Pretoria.
He was in the chuch hall patiently shaking everyone’s hands and giving his signature.
All I had was my id book so I whipped it out for him to sign. That bit was later cut out and framed.
What struck me especially was the joy he seemed to get from all the children.
May 15th, 2010 at 7:50 am
SA people: I beg you. Run and leave SA. The blood bath is on its way – they will kill you all.
Leave SA while you still can. Please.
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