Two batswana youngsters who dined with Mandela

Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Monday December 16, 2013 16:02

 

Young Matsila's eyes brighten up with both surprise and pride to hear the famous African National Congress (ANC) leader speaking to him in Setswana, his mother language. Matsila, who is now reading for a Masters' Degree in Economics, was the star of the evening on the night of October 28 1990 when Nelson Mandela made his first tour of Asia shortly after he was released from Robben Island.

With his then 14-year-old sister Masego, who today is a marketing manager with a local independent newspaper, Mandela spotted them from the crowd and invited them over. Masego recalls how the two of them spent considerable time talking to the icon. 'We were the only black children there; we had come to the event with our parents because my father was still working in Tokyo by then.

'Mandela asked me what I was doing in Japan and emphasised the importance of education; that I should attain my degree and then return home to develop Africa.' Masego says. 'I think it was the most inspiring moment of my life because when I was applying for tertiary education years later, I used my Mandela experience for my motivational essay. In the States (USA) they require an essay from the applicant stating why they think they deserve to be admitted at a college. 'In the end I was admitted by five of the six universities I had applied to, including an Australian university which I eventually settled on,' says Masego.

Last week Masego was carrying a picture of herself with Mandela and Katlego when she arrived at the local South African High Commission to celebrate the life of the great man. 'I ended up crying when I got there because the mood at the High Commission was sombre; we have lost a true inspiration. From my experience Mandela loved children, and that's why back in 1990 he invited us to dine and chat with him as if we were guests of honour. He gave me attention as a child during that chance meeting.'

My brother was fortunate he met Mandela again in1997 and had the picture he took with him in 1990 autographed by the legend. My mom keeps both photos today. She thinks they are priceless and she does not want them to get lost,' says Masego.