Stadium might be named after Mandela

The Free State provincial government is to decide on the possible renaming of the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium after world icon and former president Nelson Mandela.

Education MEC Tate Makgoe said at the memorial held for Mandela at the Christian Revival Church in Bloemfontein on Wednesday that the revamped stadium in Rocklands, Bloemfontein might be named after Mandela.

Commenting on the announcement, Free State Premier Ace Magashule said the renaming of the stadium might be something Free State residents would appreciate.

“We have to look into the history of the stadium and get the input of the residents before this can happen,” he said.

The stadium is being revamped to the tune of more than R200-million.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe was the main speaker at the six hour-long memorial service.
He reminded Free State youth to put family first.

He said if the youth wanted to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela they should appreciate the value of the family.

Mantashe told a packed church that the memorial service was to help people mourn and to celebrate Madiba’s life.

“Cry as much as you can. The pain has a refining effect. But as from Monday let us start living his legacy,” he said.

Mantashe also reminded people that Mandela believed in collective leadership and that every South African should continue to live his values of “humanity, selfless commitment and sacrifices”. – Sapa