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of honour walked slowly, with the assistance of a cane and his assistant's arm, to his seat.
Students of neighbouring Noorder Paarl Secondary shrieked when they caught sight of Madiba through the fence, while he listened intently to the youngsters' performances.
The concert was held to honour him for his sacrifices during his life and his statesmanship, said Vaughn Pietersen, head of the centre.
Mandela smiled broadly when his favourite song, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" was played by the string ensemble including children as young as ten years of age.
The highlight of the day was the symphony orchestra's faultless rendition of an excerpt from Dvorak's New World Symphony, under the baton of Milton Pietersen.
This was followed by the orchestra's performance of "Shibobo" featuring young rap soloists Abongile Gudula, Simamkele Zantsi and Xolani Ndongeni.
The visit was a dream come true for all the students, especially Lara Burgess (11), who had written a letter asking Mandela to visit the centre so that he could hear them play.
At the end of the concert Mandela made a short speech, stressing the importance of education, so that every child could have the chance of being a leader in the community.
"I appeal to all of you to make it your task to be educated.
"There was a time when to pass Std 6 was a real achievement. Matric was like getting a doctorate.
"But now there are wonderful opportunities and facilities for study opening up. You must aim high and if you have problems, contact the Minister of Education to help you."
On his departure, after the visit of less than an hour, Mandela talked briefly to community leaders and signed the visitor's book.
When he got into his car he was nearly swamped by excited members of the public who had gathered outside the centre, before he was whisked off back to Cape Town. |
