Banda elates mourners at Madiba’s funeral

SOUTH AFRICA: Malawian President Joyce Banda received a standing ovation when she spoke about her position as a woman president at former president Nelson Mandela’s state funeral on Sunday.

Many women in the audience shouted “Yes, yes” when Banda spoke about her presidency.

They waved their hands in the air when she spoke about learning from Mandela’s example.

The audience cheered when Banda paid tribute to Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and his widow Graca Machel.

The two grieving women showed little reaction to the address. Madikizela-Mandela looked down and Machel stared ahead. Banda recounted the times she met Mandela.

“The first time I was privileged to meet president Mandela was his visit to Malawi, upon his release from prison,” she told mourners.

In 1996, she visited Robben Island and was inspired by Mandela’s story. She later met him at a conference in Botswana in 1997.

“I was inspired by the great leader who was focused, calm and collected.” She later met Mandela and his wife Graca Machel at their home.

FAMOUS PICTURE

She said she walked into the home and did not expect to see Mandela waiting for her.

“My first reaction was to run out,” she said. Banda said there was a famous picture of Mandela’s widow Graca pulling her back towards Mandela.

“At that moment I did not know I was going to become president of Malawi a few months down the line.”

She acknowledged Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie for standing by him and Machel.

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

Banda said she was amazed by Mandela’s humility and leadership.

                         —Independent Online