Nelson Mandela (Madiba)

The history of latter-day South Africa is synonymous with the name of Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years only to emerge and become the first president of South Africa after the downfall of apartheid.

One of Barry's favorite souvenirs of his trip was a stuffed doll.  In South Africa, Nelson Mandela is known as "Madiba".

When you read a poem, it's always nice to have someone to read it to.

Barry found Madiba to be an excellent audience, and suggested others read their works as well.

Here Barry's friend Primrose reads a poem to Madiba.   He was a good listener.

Barry's friend Sonia reads to Madiba.

There's more about Mandela's imprisonment in the pages to come.

Madiba

                                                     by: Brian Wyngaard

Madiba, I heard that they put you in jail,
I imagined how all that could hurt.
I saw you sitting alone in your cell,
Surrounded by nothing but dirt.

I tasted the terrible food that you ate,
Dreamt the terrible dreams that you dreamt.
I smelt all the terrible smells that you smelled,
And yet you still kept yourself kempt.

And now you are free after so many years,
Making so many dreams come true.
Madiba, I don't know what South Africa would have done,
Had it not been for a great man like you.


Madiba