He was referring to mama Madikizela –Mandela who couldn’t attend the ceremony last night, held in Pretoria, due to ill-health and had to be hospitalized.
Earlier this month after falling ill, she had to go for surgery in what the Nelson Mandela Foundation described as “spinal stenosis”.
Her first surgery‚ for compression of the spinal nerve and pain relief‚ took place on 8 March. It was followed by a second procedure on 14 April to assist with her recovery‚ the foundation said.
Neeran Naidoo‚ Director of Communications of the Nelson Mandela Foundation‚ said in a statement late yesterday that she had been discharged on Tuesday.
“She is recuperating from back surgery at her home after her discharge‚” he said.
As a result‚ she was unable to personally receive the Order of Luthuli‚ awarded to her by President Jacob Zuma.
Her granddaughter‚ Zoleka attended on behalf of ‘Mother of the Nation’.
Other dignitaries were honoured on the evening.
