The health of Nelson Mandela has a broad yet unassuming effect on life in South Africa. As the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s grasp on life has faded, citizens of the country have reacted en masse without making specific, dramatic actions. That Madiba or Tata Mandela, as he’s known in his primary language of Xhosa, weighs heavily on the mind of most South Africans is something currently revealed in common parlance—discussions on the streets, where banners and other signage of support are popping up, more than concerted public statements.

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A press conference was held by President Jacob Zuma today regarding Mandela’s health, though the conversation eventually shifted to focus on longstanding issues of education and hygiene. The decline in the country’s currency value may trigger further political deliberation. But largely, the gradual nature of Mandela’s change in health has afforded most invested parties, including citizens of the country, years to acknowledge and process the eventual death of this longstanding national leader.

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Such is the case for many of South Africa’s youth. When a group of young people gathered in Cape Town to celebrate Youth Day on June 16, their thoughts and conversations were biased towards addressing the ailing statesman. For many, Mandela serves as a role model for cultural and civic activities, as stated in this radio piece produced in conjunction with the Children’s Radio Foundation.

Youth Day Thoughts On Tata Mandela by childrensradiofoundation

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