Book of Condolence opens in Telford for Nelson Mandela
Telford & Wrekin Council has opened a book of condolence for Nelson Mandela, the former South African President and political crusader who died aged 95 last Thursday.
The Book of Condolence is open to be signed by visitors to the council’s First Point customer contact centre at Addenbrooke House in Telford town centre.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota said: “Mr Mandela is one of the most inspirational figures international politics has ever seen. He fought for both political and spiritual freedom and it is only right that people in Telford and Wrekin have an opportunity to pay tribute to him.
“No words can do justice for this giant of a human being or describe his achievements, his suffering, his humanity, his politeness, his forgiveness and his reconciliation with his enemy.
“We felt a book of condolence was the most appropriate way to enable people to do that and I look forward to reading people’s messages.”
Mr Mandela opposed South Africa’s Apartheid regime and spent 27 years in jail as a political prisoner. Political change in the country led to him being released and becoming the country’s first black President between 1994 and 1999.
Mr Mandela’s body is lying in state in Pretoria and his funeral takes place on Sunday.
Today a memorial service is taking place at Soweto’s FNB stadium, which is expected to be attended by 95,000 people including one of the biggest gathering of internatonal dignitaries and state leaders in recent years.
When Telford & Wrekin Council’s Book of Condolence is completed, it will be sent to the South African embassy.
