A candle of hope stood glowing in Sandton on Saturday night after South Africans united in prayer for the full recovery of ex-president Nelson Mandela. Mandela last week spent two nights in Johannesburg's Milpark Hospital undergoing treatment for an acute respiratory infection.
Smaller candles were placed around Mandela's statue in Nelson Mandela Square after religious leaders from the Inter-Faith Ministry led a small group of people in Prayer , asking God to keep Mandela as he was still needed.
Lead SA's Yusuf Abramjee explained the significance of a candle as a symbol of life, light and energy and therefore urged every South African to light one to translate positive energy to ailing Mandela. Among those present at the event included musician and ambassador of the anti-crime organisation Shout, Danny K, radio host Pabi Baloyi and ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga.
A few staff members from the hotel, in their black and white uniforms, also participated and left shortly afterwards.
Wearing his Shout campaign t-shirt, Danny K said that like everyone else, he was nervous the entire time Mandela was in hospital. He said he hoped the former statesman was now comfortable and feeling a whole lot better.
"I hope he's surrounded by the people he loves and cared for," he said. He explained that the Shout campaign began in the shadow of Mandela and what he stood for and in transforming the country.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane could not make it to the event as she was still mourning the death of her son who died in November last year. Speaking on her behalf was MEC for roads and transport Ishmael Vadi who attended with his family. He expressed government's honour to be part of the event, saying "Mandela means many things to us".
Vadi wished the former president a speedy recovery as well as physical and emotional strength. Madison Volkwyn, 14, said she came to support the former President in his time of need. "He's left an amazing legacy for the youth and we have to fulfil it. I hope he gets well soon," she said.