Sunday, May 18, 2003
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Hours before the hearse arrived with a military respect thousands danced in the stadium and sang old liberation songs about Nelson Mandela, the late struggle leader, Oliver Tambo, and Sisulu. Sisulu has been hailed as the quiet giant of the anti-apartheid struggle, the strategist and the confidant of such leaders as Tambo and Mr. Mandela. He died on May 5 at the age of 90, after a long illness. A popular but quiet liberation hero, Sisulu was an anti-apartheid fighter for more than 60 years. He brought Mr. Mandela into the ANC and co-founded its militant youth league with Mr. Mandela and Tambo. He was jailed repeatedly in the 1950s and 1960s before being sentenced to life in 1964 alongside Mr. Mandela and other ANC leaders for plotting anti-government sabotage. Mr. Mandela, who had been Sisulu's close friend for over 60 years, described him as "one of the greatest among a generation of great freedom fighters." Mourners at the stadium included Mr. Mandela, South African President, Thabo Mbeki , Archbishop Desmond Tutu and George Bizos, the Defence Attorney for Mr. Mandela, Sisulu and other ANC leaders in the trial that brought them a life sentence but brought international condemnation to the racist regime. African Presidents Bakili Muluzi of Malawi, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe also attended. Many in the crowd said they wanted to celebrate the life of the man who helped bring about their liberation. The country has mourned Sisulu for 10 days after he died, while more than two dozen memorials have been held for him across South Africa. World leaders have sent their condolences. ``To me he's like Jesus,'' said Sibusiso Nkosi (30). ``He sacrificed his life for especially black people to be liberated. We are really going to miss him a lot.'' Sisulu's grandson, Mlumgisi Sisulu, spoke for the family. ``Farewell,'' he said, ``you have fought the good fight.'' — AP
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