Pretoria Stake Primary children, dressed in white, led a 10,000 person march on Saturday 13 December in Pretoria South Africa to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of former President Nelson Mandela. The world’s media looked on as children aptly and enthusiastically marched up to his giant statue in front of the Union Buildings in the nation’s capital. It was as if he was welcoming them to this historic site, and this even more historic event.
The children arrive with Stake Presidency member Brother Davies
Nelson Mandela greets them with open arms
The children are transformed into angels in white
They join the front of the march, and are greeted by the world’s media
Hand in hand they walk ahead of the 10,000-strong parade of walkers
Primary leader, Amu Mombedzi, walks and talks with the media
Stake President, Shawn Boshoff (left), with Brother Bryan Jackson (right) lead the way to the Union Buildings
Stake Public Affairs Director Thoba Karl-Halla with Primary leaders walk behind the 95 children the whole way to the Mandela statue
The Church's Primary children assist with the wreath-laying ceremony, which takes place in complete reverence
Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Nelson Mandela family members, along with government leaders, release 67 white doves. This was symbolic of Nelson Mandela's 67-year fight for freedom and equal rights for all human beings.
Primary choir assembles to sing the National Anthem
Sister Amu Mombedzi leads the choir of 95 voices
Event organisers and leaders are very satisfied with the day, and were honoured to be part of the program to remember the great statesman Nelson Mandela on the one year anniversary of his passing
Time to meet celebrities and have some refreshments afterwards
“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret after climbing a great hill; one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my walk is not yet ended.” Nelson Mandela
