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THANK YOUMADIBAMEMOIRES OF ABÍLIO SOEIRO

A TRIBUTE TO NELSON MANDELA

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144688130154186

202260263

THANK YOU MADIBA

Author Abílio Soeiro - [email protected] Kwandika Editora - www.kwandika.com

Book and cover layout João Athayde e Melo - [email protected] cover photo The author in1971Back cover image Hugo Soeiro

Black flap photo António-Henrique Silva

Book photosAbílio Soeiro’s archive, Hugo Soeiro, António-Henrique Silva, ART C,Artur Ferreira, Carlos Alberto, Daniel Maquinasse and Andrew Petkun

Illustrations Salomão NhantumboTranslator Paul Fauvet and Mota Lopes

Translation revisor LinguaemundiPrinting House of Print - Johannesburg

2nd print run 3 000 copiesPublication date 2013

Registration nr 7598/RLIND/2012ISBN 978 - 989 - 98168 - 7 - 9

ABÍLIO SOEIRO © 2013 - All rights reserved

CONTENTS PAGE

FOREWORD TESTIMONIAL

CHAPTERS1 - HOW OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN 2 - THE PATH I FOLLOWED 3 - MY FAMILY: FROM GREAT-GRANDMOTHER LEONOR TO SARA 4 - MY FRIENDS 5 - MY THANK YOU 6 - THINKING OF THE FUTURE

GALLERY EPILOGUE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THANK YOUMADIBAMEMOIRES OF ABÍLIO SOEIRO

A TRIBUTE TO NELSON MANDELA

76

THANK YOU MADIBA

My dear friend Madiba,

I believe that ideas and initiative can transform lives

and, therefore, made this belief my life philosophy.

This book is dedicated to you, my friend, to pay

homage to a great African leader that everyone in

the world respects and admires.

If life is made up of good and bad times, some

of the best moments of my life are connected to

the deep friendship and admiration I have for you,

Madiba.

My gratitude does not fit into a book, but ended

up being a book.

This book.

Thank you, Madiba!

1110

THANK YOU MADIBA

FOREWORD

I am very delighted to be associated with this book. The generosity

and humanitarian spirit of Mr Soeiro is equal only to the best in

our world. He has the utmost respect and admiration for President

Nelson Mandela and by his own account, draws inspiration from his

compassion and commitment to service. However, it remains rare for

people to live out the qualities they find admirable in figures that loom

as large as Madiba. Therefore, Mr Soeiro stands out as an important

example of what it means to internalise and reproduce the lessons of

our greatest leaders. It is through his ingenuity and effort that this

book has become a project in the service of a greater good. This book

not only tells a personal story about a people’s hero, but also through

its proceeds, will make some real contribution towards the dream of

providing a world-class healthcare facility for the children of Southern

Africa.

The chosen vehicle for delivering the best healthcare to our children

is the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. This is a project for which

funds are currently being raised. Currently, the nearly 450 million

children across Africa are being served by only four dedicated

children’s hospitals. The majority of these children suffer from life-

threatening illnesses and have little or no chance of receiving the

specialised care they need.

Mr Soeiro has therefore pledged 15% of the proceeds of Thank You

Madiba to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital project.

Through this action, Mr Soeiro demonstrates a practical understand-

ing of the value system and lessons that President Mandela stands

for. With maturity and exposure, has come a greater commitment to

the development of his country and people. Thus, later in his life,

he started questioning the role of business in the development of the

youth of Mozambique, his country of birth. In this book, he delves

into this question, unpacking the problem and sharing ideas on what

can be done to improve the prospects of young Mozambicans. This

concern is rooted in an understanding of the potential benefits that

should accrue from Africa’s growing youth bulge.

In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee of

the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, I am extremely pleased that

we are connected with this book. In Southern Africa, we are lagging

behind in the health-related millennium development goals, which

are a huge indictment on our generation, the generation that currently

has the power, means and capabilities. Thus, the construction and

successful operation of this Hospital will make a huge contribution to

the lives of Southern Africa’s children and societies. Initiatives like

this are creative fundraising tools that support us in our endeavours

to preserve the legacy of Madiba. This book should find its place in

every living room.

Ha Khensa! (= thank you)

Tito T. MboweniJohannesburg, South Africa

1312

THANK YOU MADIBA

TESTIMONIAL

I first met Abílio Soeiro in the early 1980s, when I already knew

two members of his beautiful family, his sisters Manuela and

Clara, with whom I used to work in the theatre and in other cultural

activities. For her part, my wife Palmira (Mila) was a colleague of

Glória (Lola), Abílio’s wife, and has good and fond memories of her.

But I got to know Abílio Soeiro better when he was working at

DETA, the air company which, some time after independence, was

transformed into Mozambique Airlines (LAM). We got along very

well in our first meetings. I had the opportunity to get to know

him better and to deepen our friendship during the various trips I

made as a professional journalist, accompanying presidential visits

to various countries across the globe. His natural warmth and his

efficiency at work caught my attention at the start of our friendship.

They were clearly evident in his tasks as a steward, a professional

who was always attentive and solicitous, but never ceased to be

very strict about the safety of the passengers. Later, when he told

me of his commitment to becoming a businessman in the area of

perfumes and the like, I also came to understand his determination

to see this project through, although at the start he really faced

many difficulties in making it work.

Time passed and our professional activities did not always allow

closer contact between us, but each time we met we always

exchanged that sincere, generous and very friendly embrace,

showing that our friendship remained firm, although we did not see

much of each other.

So I was not surprised when he telephoned me, and asked me to

look at a book he had written. He wanted a linguistic appreciation

from me, and an exchange of ideas about the book. He did not tell

me what the theme, the content, of the book was. On the appointed

day, I was torn between surprise and joy to see before me an

autobiography, but one which fundamentally narrates and portrays

the friendship between the Mandela family and the Soeiro family.

Essentially, it is a work that gives thanks to the great South African

leader for their reciprocal, unconditional and exemplary friendship.

Apart from any comment that can be made about a possible egoistic

attitude of Abílio, for me this book, this work, is not only a life story

which shows us that with effort, sacrifice and hope the most difficult

obstacles can be overcome, but it is also a precious document about

some facets of Nelson Mandela which are interesting to know.

It makes us admire still more this great world figure who is an

example to all humanity of humility and love. Well done, Abílio, for

this historic testimony.

Calane da Silva

Inhambane, Mozambique

A FRIENDLY AND TENACIOUS MAN

1514

THANK YOU MADIBA

Madiba, Lola and I, after the dinner on 12 August 2000.

HOW OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN

It might have been sheer coincidence, just one of the best moments I

had experienced on the day when the new residence of the couple,

Graça Machel and Nelson Mandela, was inaugurated in Maputo.

But truth be told, in retrospect, I think that was the moment our

friendship began. I remember, it was Saturday, 12 August 2000

at 10 o’clock, I was very busy with arrangements for a party that

would be held later that day, when I saw Nelson Mandela standing

in front of the house, looking at the plants. I walked past, about 30

metres from him. I also remember greeting him from a distance, by

waving my hand. He responded by raising his arm, and displaying

the beaming smile that characterises him. We didn’t exchange a

single word.

I was there at the invitation of Graça Machel, to help organise the

lunch where the new house in Maputo would be inaugurated. The

occasion also served to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 82nd birthday,

which had been the previous month on 18 July. The reason for my

attendance at this momentous event is easy to explain. My cousin,

Lena and her husband, Pedro Bule, approached me to help with

arrangements for the event. Four months earlier Lena and Pedro

had been invited to my mother, Susana’s, 80th birthday dinner and

to my surprise, they were very pleased with the way in which the

entire event had been organised. When I told them that we had

done everything ourselves, they were even more impressed. In a

rather enigmatic manner, they told me that it was highly possible

that they would need my services. They didn’t give me any further

details, and I soon forgot all about it.

Several days passed before my cousin called to ask if I could

accompany them to the home of Olívia Machel, step-daughter of

Graça Machel and daughter of Samora Moisés Machel, the first

President of Mozambique who died tragically in 1986. Of course I

said yes. When we arrived, and shortly after we were introduced, I

understood their vague statement. They wanted to make use of my

services as Nelson Mandela’s new house in Maputo was going to be

inaugurated. The inauguration would include a party to mark the

event, and they hoped I would agree to be part of the organising

group. I immediately accepted the proposal.

That Saturday, while I looked at Madiba – the name by which

the South African people and his closest friends refer to Nelson

Mandela, with much affection and respect – I recalled everything

that had led me to that moment.

After the meeting with Olívia, I was invited to a family dinner where

Graça Machel was present. She is a highly intelligent and talkative

woman. She recognised me immediately, but I was surprised when

she said that she always knew me by the name Soeiro, while her

1

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Celebrating my mother, Susana’s 80th birthday.

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1THANK YOU MADIBA HOW OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN

But then it stopped altogether.

One question bothered my wife and I in the days leading up to the

ceremony. We would also be there as guests and so, what gift could

we give to someone of Nelson Mandela’s statue? Lola suggested

that we order a very simple birthday cake, but with the unusual

adornment of a bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses. That

was what we did, and so, the cake that Lola designed occupied a

prominent place at the main table.

Before lunch was served, Nelson Mandela cut a slice of cake and

offered it to his wife and toasted to the happiness of all the guests.

Among the guests was Joaquim Alberto Chissano, who at the time

was the President of Mozambique. It was a moment of great joy.

Later the couple made a point of thanking Lola and I for the unu-

sual birthday cake. We were extremely pleased and very relieved.

Our worries were definitively overcome.

After the cutting of the cake, Graça Machel’s older brother, Gabriel

Simbine as well as President Chissano and Nelson Mandela

addressed the guests. Nelson Mandela thanked those who attended

and expressed his gratitude to the Mozambican government for

their generosity in providing him and his wife with a home close

to the Presidential offices in Maputo. He joked that he would now

visit more often. Not only for the house, but also because of the

state protocol, which included a vehicle and a motorcycle escort, at

his disposal whenever he was in Maputo. He also announced the

engagement of Josina Machel, better known as Jó, the daughter of

Graça and Samora Machel, to the young Luís Florivaldo.

Several dishes were served during the lunch. As expected, the

dishes most appreciated were the prawns and the matapa. Matapa

is a typical Mozambican dish. It is prepared with young cassava

leaves, smothered in garlic and potato flour and cooked either with

crab or shrimp. Since this was a family event, there was no shortage

of beef on the spit, a tradition of the Machel family. There was also

an abundance of lamb, which is a tradition of both the Mandela and

Machel families.

children spoke of me and my wife using the more familiar terms

cousin Bio and cousin Lola. She added that she never imagined

that Soeiro and cousin Bio was one and the same person.

On the day of the inauguration, one of my tasks was to meet Nelson

Mandela’s relatives at the airport. The special flight from South

Africa carrying his children, grandchildren and great- grandchil-

dren arrived in Maputo at 10:15.

They were received in the Commercial Important People Lounge,

where they had a light breakfast before their bus trip to Costa do

Sol beach. Costa do Sol is one of the best-known and most popular

beaches in Maputo. This gave us time to attend to the final ar-

rangements and to finish preparations for the lunch for the many

illustrious guests.

When his relatives finally arrived, they were all eager to greet him.

He was as excited, but especially pleased to see his grandchildren.

Even after all the others had withdrawn and gone into the house

and garden, he remained with his youngest relatives talking and

playing with them a little longer. He listened attentively and with

glee to the stories they told him about their progress at school, as

well as about their recent adventure of flying to Maputo and seeing

the sea and the gleaming white sands of Costa do Sol.

To ensure the success of the events, we were all assigned tasks. I

was responsible for the protocol and my wife Lola, the décor. The

most complex job, logistics, went to Pedro, who was helped by fam-

ily friends, Gentil Zimba, António Andrade and their wives. Our

group, which also consists of Olívia and Ornila Machel, Yolanda

Arcelina, Palma and Palmira Pinto and other members of the

Machel family, has remained together until today. So whenever

some Machel family event happens, we are ready to provide all the

necessary services.

Shortly before the lunch it rained for about ten minutes. As rain

was not normal at that time of year, it was interpreted as an African

blessing. I don’t know whether it was the case. The rain held up the

ceremony for about half an hour and made the guests run for cover.

Guests flee from the rain during the inauguration of Madiba and Mama Graça in Maputo.

Madiba, grandchildren, Mama Graça Machel, President Joaquim Chissano, Lola and Pedro Bule.

2120


country, but also in the national reconciliation process in South

Africa.

I never asked him personally about the true meaning of the name by

which he is known. Nelson, as he writes in his autobiography, was

the name given to him by a teacher. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, or

simply Madiba, will always inspire admiration and respect among

us. He played a fundamental role, perhaps the decisive role, in the

complex political process that led to the end of apartheid and the

foundation of the new Republic of South Africa, taking his place as

one of the greatest African and world leaders.

The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to him in 1993, is just one of the

countless distinctions he has received. In 2009 the United Nations

proclaimed 18 July, International Nelson Mandela Day,

because of his role in defending and promoting justice and hu-

man dignity. Despite this recognition and all his popularity and

international prestige, Nelson Mandela has humility and simplicity

that captivate everyone.

The day after the inauguration, Graça Machel invited our group to

assess the event and the way it had been organised. She praised our

work, but more importantly, a proposal was made that we organise

all the Machel family public ceremonies. The proposal was im-

mediately accepted. It has been consolidated, not only by a great

deal of work and shared experience, but also by the strong bonds of

friendship that have been forged over the years.

Despite all the warmth surrounding us, it never occurred to me at

For two very different reasons, I felt a certain amount of sadness

when the time drew close for me to accompany the Mandela rela-

tives to the airport. In the first place, I was sad because goodbyes

are generally sad. Secondly, the guest of honour was about to take

photographs with the guests and I was going to miss this opportunity.

On my return, Lola boasted that she had the privilege of taking a

photograph with Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel. Once again, I

was overcome with sadness for the missed opportunity.

When Graça Machel found out which task I had been assigned,

she insisted that we stay for dinner. This finally resulted in the

much-desired photograph of me with the man I so much admire.

It was a very emotionally charged day and we were all exhausted,

so after dinner, we all said our goodbyes. Lola and I left with the

realisation that we had just been in the inner circle of a family that

played important roles in the history of our country, of Africa and of

the world. What impressed us even more was that despite this they

remained friendly and full of consideration and respect for others.

It was this and my memory of moments spent close to Nelson

Mandela that led me to look into the meaning of the name Madiba,

the name by which he is affectionately known. A name recognised

in his homeland, in all of South Africa, and throughout the world.

Madiba was the name of a heroic Tembu chief who lived in South

Africa during the 18th century. In the Mandela family’s homeland,

Qunu, in the mountains of Umtata, Madiba means Reconciler,

someone who is concerned about bringing people together, rather

than dividing them. Some academics say that Nelson Mandela

came to be called Madiba because of his leadership capacity and

the fundamental role he played, not only in the liberation of his Mama Graça, Madiba and Lola.

2322


independent Mozambique. When the couple decided to get mar-

ried, we were involved right from the beginning.

The wedding took place on Saturday, 12 May 2001 and was

celebrated in two places. The Jardim dos Namorados, known as

the Lovers’ Garden, in Maputo and a week later, in Xilembene,

the birthplace of President Samora Machel and his ancestors.

Xilembene is a region in the Mozambican interior.

The Jardim dos Namorados, located near the Ponta Vermelha

Presidential Palace, was not chosen by accident. President Samora

Machel restored the garden and its name. He would frequently go

there to pick a flower for his beautiful wife Graça. Preparing for

the ceremonies required a great deal of organisational effort on our

part. For the first time, our group had to face the real challenge of

preparing for more than 500 guests, who would be coming from

abroad as well as from various parts of Mozambique.

We began by meeting weekly at the home of Graça Machel, or

Mama Graça, as she is better known. Instead of Mrs or Madam it

is common in Mozambique and in most other African countries to

use the term Mama. This form of address depicts the affection and

respect that Africans in general have for the social role of women,

as mothers.

Often these preparatory meetings coincided with Nelson Mandela’s

visits to Maputo. These visits also greatly contributed to the friend-

ship that developed between us. When we were discussing plans for

the time that I would be meeting with Nelson Mandela very often.

But this is exactly what happened, and a friendship, marked by mu-

tual affection, was born. To my surprise our friendship developed

very quickly and remains strong until today. I am extremely proud

of this.

In October of the same year, I travelled to Cannes, in France, to at-

tend an exhibition for duty free operators, which included items such

as cosmetics, tobacco and fine drinks. When I showed my friend,

Jean-Christian de la Chevalerie of the Laurent Perrier champagne

house, the photograph of the cake we had given to Nelson Mandela,

he used me as courier to send him two one and a half litre bottles

of the best champagne the house had on offer. Before the end of

the year, we were invited to a private lunch in Maputo with Nelson

Mandela and Graça Machel. We took the opportunity to present the

champagne from France to the couple. He made a point of taking a

photograph with one of the bottles, which I sent to Jean-Christian to

show that the gift had reached its destination and that it had been

received very well.

Another event that further strengthened my ties with NelsonMandela

was a beautiful love story that led to the marriageof Samora Machel

Junior, better known as Samito, to Jovita Sumbana. Samito is the

son of President Samora Machel and his late wife, Josina Machel.

Josina was a heroine of the Mozambican independence struggle,

and played a fundamental role in the fight for the liberation of

Mozambican women. Samito was born during the national libera-

tion struggle, and like Jovita, he grew up and was educated in an

Christmas 2000. Mama Graça, Me, Madiba and Lola.

2524


the party, we would sometimes speak quite loudly, but quickly low-

ered our voices when we saw him walking by the house. He never

interrupted us or interfered in our work. Mama Graça decided that

neither Samito, nor his future wife would get involved in the prepa-

ration for the ceremony. She wanted to spare them the effort so that

they could prepare, without any disturbances, for this important

day in their lives.

Mama Graça and our group were committed to creating an atmos-

phere of warmth and affection to try and make up for the absence of

the groom’s parents. I was pleased to learn later from Mama Graça,

that our goal was achieved. In our small way we felt we contributed

to the happiness of Samito and Jovita.

When the invitations were being sent out Samito personally in-

formed Nelson Mandela, who was in Maputo at the time. Samito

was thrilled when he accepted his invitation. However, when

Nelson Mandela discovered that the wedding would be on 12 May,

he voiced his concern: “I can’t be there because on that day, I have

to go to a ceremony in Uganda, to inaugurate a stadium that has

been named after me!”

Samito was disappointed and asked him to do everything possible

to attend the wedding. Nelson Mandela changed his plans imme-

diately and from what I know, this made the Machel family very

happy. We were also very pleased with Nelson Mandela’s consid-

eration for Samito. In the midst of such happiness, we didn’t realise

what was yet to come.

On Wednesday, 16 May, we left for the village of Xilembene to

organise the second phase of the wedding ceremony. Although

Samora Machel Jr. and Jovita, flanked by the parents of the bride António and Lúcia Sumbana, Graça and Madiba.

2726


When there is any important event concerning Samora Machel,

I and the other members of the organising group are there, al-

ways ready to receive the guests in Xilembene. It could be a

major event such as Samito’s wedding, requiring complex lo-

gistical machinery, or it could be a simple date to be marked.

On the day when Mama Graça received a tractor to plough the

fields, for example, a traditional ceremony was held consisting

of spilling a little drink on the ground, thus evoking the spirits

of the ancestors so that they may bless the occasion.

As was becoming routine, Mama Graça invited us to an as-

sessment meeting at her home the following Sunday. It was

an opportunity to have lunch together and in a more relaxed

atmosphere and spirit, to talk a bit about everything. We were

praised for the success of the wedding celebrations and on re-

flection I think this was appropriate, as we had all committed

ourselves fully to the success of the wedding ceremony. At one

point, Mama Graça made a point of thanking us passionately

for our voluntary spirit. With a sense of humour, she told us...

“Don’t forget – there are thank-yous that are worth more than

a million dollars!”

Another great Machel family event at which Nelson Mandela

was in attendance was the wedding of Jó. During the assess-

ment of Samito’s wedding, Mama Graça announced Jó’s in-

tention to get married in September of that year. But, since

the date was around the corner and the logistics and costs

had to be considered, it was suggested that the couple de-

lay their wedding to the following year. They agreed to this

and their marriage was registered at the Cardoso Hotel on 29

March 2002, while the religious ceremony took place at the

the village has benefited from considerable development, it

still lacked the facilities required to host a ceremony of this

magnitude. Faced with these challenges, we had to resort to

all possible measures. We stayed in Xilembene until Sunday.

The members of the Machel family had accommodation in

Xilembene, but we had to sleep in Chókwè or Bilene and at 5

o’clock every morning we were back on the road to Xilembene

to prepare for the festivities.

Joaquim Chissano, who was the President of Mozambique

at the time, several members of government as well as other

prominent figures, attended the traditional wedding ceremony.

I recall how members of the public lined up along a 400-me-

tre path that the newly-weds had to walk. At a traditional

wedding, mats are laid down for the couple to walk on. This

greatly impressed me.

With the exception of Nelson Mandela, who flew to Xilembene

in a helicopter, the guests arrived in private vehicles or buses.

Many of the guests arrived just before the lunch was served.

This caused a large crowd to build up where the meal was be-

ing served. But, in the end, everything worked out as planned.

After four in the afternoon, most of the guests began to say

their farewells. Nelson Mandela did the same and returned to

Maputo. Mama Graça stayed in Xilembene. On Sunday after-

noon, the other members of the organising group and I went

back to our homes in Maputo. We were tired, but pleased,

because we had witnessed and experienced unforgettable mo-

ments and we had a feeling of mission accomplished.

Luís and Jo’s traditional ceremony in Xilembene.

Jó enters the church with her brother, Malenga.

Left photo - The happy couple. Luís and Jo arrives at the reception.

Madiba walks Jó down the aisle.

2928


In attendance, were great names in the music and culture industry

of Mozambique and South Africa. The master of ceremonies was

the famous South African musician, Hugh Masekela. The tribute

was organised by the Mozambican Aurélio Le Bon and a few South

Africans.

It is no secret that Nelson Mandela always greatly admired Samora

Machel. On several occasions he mentioned his appreciation for

the combative spirit and nationalist ideas of the first President of

Mozambique. It was on his decision, immediately after independ-

ence, that Mozambique offered shelter to many South African refu-

gees. For many years, leaders of the African National Congress,

such as Oliver Tambo and Joe Slovo, both now deceased, and Jacob

Zuma, the current President of South Africa, lived in Mozambique.

A year after this tribute to Samora Machel, an identical ceremony

took place in Maputo. Nelson Mandela gave his full support and en-

couragement to this tribute. After searching the entire city to find

a suitable place to erect a tent, large enough, for the ceremony, it

was decided to erect the tent on a vacant piece of land between the

Portuguese School and the Matchiki-Tchiki sports complex.

The choice of venue pleased everyone because it was large enough

to provide ample parking and catered for all the logistical needs of

the event. Similar to the tribute held in South Africa, Mozambican

and South African artists were present.

A well-known artist presented a painting dedicated to Samora.

Naguib produced a painting that he called The Fight Against

Corruption which he offered to Mama Graça as a gift to mark the

occasion. The idea of a celebration in memory of Samora Machel in

Maputo had come from his daughter, Jó.

All these events were occasions that justified the presence of

Nelson Mandela and thus became a way of maintaining my con-

tact with him. One of these great moments was the celebration of

Mama Graça’s 60th birthday. The children and closest relatives

wanted this birthday to be a party of great significance. Right from

the start, I was closely involved in the logistics as a member of the

working group.

Methodist Church the following day. After the wedding, the couple

went on honeymoon, so the traditional ceremony only took place

a month later in Xilembene. Just as it had happened at Samito’s

wedding, the newly-weds walked on mats laid on the ground by the

local residents.

As at the other family wedding ceremonies, the reception was held

in the Jardim dos Namorados, a place chosen by Samora Machel

for its natural beauty and charm. It was here, on 19 October 1985,

exactly a year before the plane crash that killed Samora Machel,

that the marriage between his son Idelson Machel and Yolanda

Arcelina took place.

At Jó’s wedding, something unforeseen happened, which even to-

day makes me smile. A South African fashion designer was com-

missioned to make the bridal gown, which naturally, included a

veil. But when Jó was supposed to walk down the aisle to the sound

of the wedding song, to everyone’s surprise, she refused because

the designer had not arrived with her veil. I personally went to find

out what was going on. She told me, with some anguish, that her

veil was missing. She was adamant that she would only go in veiled

and insisted to speak with her sister, Olívia. At a moment like that,

decisions must be taken at once and so Olívia appealed to her com-

mon sense: “You are so pretty that it’s not worth waiting for the veil,

Olivia told her.”

So Jó made her triumphal entry accompanied by her brother

Malenga Machel and got married without a veil. The designer,

whose name I have forgotten, had taken the veil to the Catholic

Cathedral because she was convinced that a ceremony of this mag-

nitude could only he held there. And while she was waiting there,

Jó was getting married in the Maputo Methodist Church.

Also during 2001, following Samito’s wedding, an event took place

in which I participated and which greatly moved me. It was a tribute

to President Samora Machel, in Johannesburg at Gallagher Estate,

a vast conferencing venue that can accommodate 5,000 people. A

ceremony, marking the 15th anniversary of Samora Machel’s death

at Mbuzini, was held.

Madiba, Mama Graça and the artist Naguib. Mama Graça unveils the painting, The Fight Against Corruption, dedicated to the late President Samora Machel.

Madiba and Mama Graça at the birthday party. Accompanying Mama Graça to the table of honour.

3130


At some point during the evening, Graça Machel’s children asked

their mother to come up to the stage to receive a bouquet of flow-

ers. At that moment, Mama Graça beckoned me to approach her.

She asked me to accompany her to the table of honour, and as

we walked there she told me: “Bio, once again you have surprised

me ... I feel very happy and I thank you for this gesture of my true

family!”

On the stage, the children and closest relatives of Mama Graça

improvised a choir and began to sing romantic songs. These were

the songs that Samora Machel most liked to sing when he was with

his family.

Jó was responsible for another surprise. During the dinner she

came over to me, and asked me to go to the airport to wait for a

lady who was on a flight from Johannesburg and who was a good

friend of Mama Graça. I went to the airport, ensured that she was

well received and I returned to the party with her. She was Amélia

Mingas, sister of the Angolan singer, Rui Mingas. When she en-

tered the room and went to greet Mama Graça, it was as if a ray of

sunshine had fallen there. I watched it all. Mama Graça was visibly

moved, gave her a warm embrace and invited her to take a place at

the table of honour.

Later Mama Graça explained to us that Amélia was like an older

sister to her. It was Amélia who, when Graça Machel arrived in

Portugal in the late 1960s, gave her all the support and assistance

in her new role as a university student in Lisbon.

At the birthday party, I had the opportunity to meet and exchange

words with two of the big names in the mining industry and busi-

ness world in South Africa, Patrice Motsepe, a self-made man and

Jonathan Oppenheimer, great-grandson of the founder of the min-

ing company, Anglo American.

Despite not maintaining direct contact, I always received news

from Nelson Mandela and sent him my greetings and well wishes in

return. Perhaps for this reason, one day when I was returning from

Costa do Sol, where I had lunch with Silvie Bigati, a representa-

tive of Chanel, one of the largest French perfume companies, my

cell phone rang. Nelson Mandela was on the other end of the line,

The idea was to hold one birthday party restricted to the family and

close friends, and another larger one for other guests and public

figures. The bigger party was to be a surprise for Mama Graça.

Once again, Jó’s organisational and creative skills stood out, as it

was her idea to speak with Nelson Mandela and bring him in as an

accomplice to our plan.

He was to tell his wife that he had been invited to a dinner at

the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre two or three days after

her birthday. I am convinced that Mama Graça did not suspect

anything because when she arrived at the Conference Centre that

night her surprise was genuine. Guests included the President of

Mozambique, Armando Emílio Guebuza, and the first lady,Maria

da Luz Guebuza.

When Mama Graça and Nelson Mandela entered the tent she

was welcomed by an enormous choir singing, Happy Birthday to

you! Emotion and surprise were visible on her face, which gave us

grounds for satisfaction, since that was indeed our objective. The

dinner went well, in an atmosphere of joy. But it was interrupted for

some moments by an episode that initially greatly concerned us.

Because of the high temperature inside the tent, Nelson Mandela

felt unwell and his doctors took the decision to remove him, but did

not give any information to those attending.

Mama Graça, Pedro, Andrade, Zimba and I accompanied Nelson

Mandela to his car. After we had ascertained that it was He was to

tell his wife that he had been invited to a dinner at nothing serious,

we felt less worried. We watched him leave for his residence, ac-

companied by his medical team.

her birthday. I am convinced that Mama Graça did not suspect any-

thing because when she arrived at the Conference Centre that night

her surprise was genuine. Guests included the President

He arrived at his residence a few moments later and called from

there saying that everything was fine. Once again, we all breathed

a sigh of relief. Malenga Machel, the master of ceremonies, told

the guests what had happened, and informed them that he was all

right. It had been nothing more than tiredness and the excessive

heat. After a round of applause, and at Malenga’s specific request,

the party continued into the night.

Singing songs that Samora Machel liked.Mama Graça invites Amélia Mingas to sit at the table of honour.

Jonathan Oppenheimer and I.Patrice Motsepe and I.

3332


and affection expressed towards him. The party lasted for two days

and consisted of various cultural events and expressions of endear-

ment. On the first day, on giant screens erected in the banqueting

hall where the dinner took place, messages sent to Madiba were

screened. Lola and I had also sent a message, and we were pleas-

antly surprised when we saw it displayed.

This particular birthday celebration fascinated me because of the

unprecedented nature of some of the activities. The guests were

particularly impressed when Nelson Mandela entered the room and

at the same time all the lights came on to surprise him. The tini-

est details pertaining to the event had been kept secret so that the

festivities would come as a surprise to him.

Another aspect that I particularly enjoyed was during the screen-

ing of the messages. The impression was given that Oprah Winfrey,

well-known American businesswoman, television presenter and

friend of Madiba, was in the United States delivering her mes-

sage via satellite. But suddenly, she burst into the room, singing

“Happy Birthday to you”, accompanied by a host of international

figures, including the Prince and Princess of Holland, Willem-

Alexander and Maxima Zorreguieta; South African businessman,

Tokyo Sexwale; and international super model, Naomi Campbell.

The party was attended by many international figures, including

the Queen of Holland, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Bono, Robert de

Niro and Richard Branson.

On my returning to Maputo, I again flew SAA and by coincidence,

occupied the seat next to Mama Graça in the front of the aircraft. At

one point, one of the stewardesses interrupted us and asked to be

photographed alongside Mama Graça. I took that photograph my-

self, to the great pleasure of the stewardess. During the flight, other

members of the crew also made a point of greeting Mama Graça

and spoke to her about Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

Five years later, I took part in another celebration. This time, mark-

ing Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. His birthday was celebrated

across the globe. A tribute concert was held in London on 27 June

2008 and was broadcast live to the world. Accompanied by Graça

Machel, Nelson Mandela attended the concert in his honour.

There are no words to express the affection and emotion that people

the world over felt for him. American actor and master of ceremo-

nies at the concert in London, Will Smith, stressed this when he

took to the stage to congratulate him.

When Lola and I arrived in Johannesburg on 18 July 2008, we

were pleasantly surprised with free tickets for a two-hour flight to

Qunu, the birthplace of the Mandela family. We felt very honoured

to receive this distinction. This was further proof of our friendship

with Nelson Mandela.

We arrived in Qunu at around 11 o’clock on the morning of 19 July

2008, to attend the celebratory lunch. Protocol officers met us at

the airport and accompanied us to Nelson Mandela’s official resi-

dence, to greet and congratulate him. We were very impressed by

the attention from the protocol officers.

During the lunch, served in an enormous tent, I saw seated at the

table of honour, the former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki

and his wife, Zanele, as well as President Jacob Zuma, President

wishing me a happy birthday. It was indeed my birthday. I was so

overcome with joy that I had to stop the car. I could not hold back

my tears. I had to explain to my friend, in French, the reason for

all the emotion. She just told me... “Abílio, you are a blessed man!”

Because such moments have to be shared with the people we most

love, I immediately called my sons, Rui and Hugo, who were study-

ing in Johannesburg. They too were equally moved. If it were pos-

sible at the time, I would have called all the people I knew, but I

chose to hurry home and share the news with Lola.

From the first time we met Nelson Mandela, in August 2000 at the

inauguration of their house in Maputu, Lola and I were included

in all the major celebrations, which included Nelson Mandela’s

birthdays. We thus took part in the celebrations of his 85th and

90th birthdays. In 2003 his 85th birthday party was held in

Johannesburg. Lola and I arrived on the morning of his birthday

and returned to Maputo two days later.

When we entered the plane that flew us to Johannesburg, the South

African Airways (SAA) hostess announced the following... “Today

Nelson Mandela, our Madiba, is 85 years old and SAA would like

to thank him for everything he has done for our country, for Africa

and for the world.”

This announcement was made on all SAA flights to celebrate his

birthday.

I will never forget the commitment of the people involved in the

celebrations of Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday. Once again, we ex-

perienced memorable moments. I was surprised at all the warmth

Sylvie Bigati, representative from the House of Chanel and I..

The emblematic Costa do Sol restaurant, which started out as a hunting lodge for the Greek Petrakakis family,

was built in the 1950’s. One used to eat the best grilled pawns in the world there. Unfortunately, and to the

sorrow of many prawn lovers, the restaurant closed on 30 September 2012.

3534


of the ANC and Thabo Mbeki’s successor. Among those present,

was a mature Indian woman, whom I believe was a relative of one

of Nelson Mandela’s friends and fellow South African political pris-

oner, who cooked the famous biryani rice for him.

At another table, still wearing their traditional multi-coloured cos-

tumes or even half-naked, sat the dancers who had greeted the

guests on arrival. The traditional dancers made a great contribu-

tion and gave a festive feel to this celebration.

The efficiency of the organising team greatly impressed us. They

had arranged for us to fly back to Johannesburg that same afternoon

by means of a private plane. This ensured that we didn’t have to

stay overnight in Qunu, where there wasn’t enough accommoda-

tion, due to the countless guests in attendance. The journey from

Qunu to Lanseria, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, lasted about

two hours. We took the opportunity to visit our sons and to tour the

city of Johannesburg, which was preparing to host the 2010 FIFA

World Cup.

If it is not yet clear, the reason for this great friendship that I feel

for Madiba is very simple: a deep admiration for his personality, his

achievements and what he represents as a man and a public figure.

Singing happy birthday to Madiba.Back from left to right: The Prince and Princess of Holland, Willem-Alexander and Maxima Zorreguieta. Front from left to right: Oprah Winfrey, Tokyo Sexwale and Naomi Campbell..

Bio and Lola,

Friends like you have made the World a better place

Friends are the joys that mould us like a family and the moments that show us we still live in a disturbing

world…

Congratulations and Happy Birthday

With great affection

Abílio and Glória Soeiro

3736


Having a good time...Robert de Niro with Ornila, Yolanda and Olívia Machel.

Richard Branson, Olívia and Ornila Machel. Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Naomi Campbell, Lola and I.

3938

1The colourful traditional dancers from Qunu.

4140


I remember Mama Graça’s remarks at one of the preparatory meet-

ings: “My youngest son is getting married. I feel I am complying

with a singular task as a mother, opening the path to the new

generations.”

The wedding of the young Malenga began on 13 May, in Stellenbosch,

near the beautiful city of Cape Town. The festivities were on a small

scale, bringing together Malenga’s closest relatives and friends.

Following tradition, there should have been another ceremony in

Maputo and then a traditional ceremony in Xilembene, the Machel

family’s birthplace. But the family decided to hold the ceremony

only in Xilembene.

The wedding in Xilembene took place on Saturday, 26 May. The

following day, the xiguiane ceremony was held – that is, the tradi-

tional marriage, exclusively for members of the family.

Malenga’s wedding was an opportunity for our organising group, to

work together once again. It was an emotional feeling, that after so

many years, bearing in mind that each of us had our own profes-

sional activities, we were once again able to provide assistance to

Mama Graça and her family.

This time, in addition to the initial members of the group, I should

mention Matonga Machel and Basílio Simbine who went the extra

mile to provide valuable assistance. Although much younger than

the rest of us, they showed a great sense of responsibility and a high

level of professionalism. Having been part of the other celebrations,

Andrade, who is now based in the Inhambane Province, did not

want to miss anything. When he heard about the impending wed-

ding, he asked for leave and was able to offer his best wishes to

Malenga and Patrícia Costa.

Aunt Amélia, the Angolan singer, was also in attendance and was

radiant. We were happy that we could share in this occasion, there-

fore, 26 and 27 May 2012 will be engraved on my memory forever.

In addition, he has always reciprocated my friendship.

A short while later, I received the book Mandela by Charlene

Smith, a South African journalist and writer, as a personal gift

from Nelson Mandela. In this copy he wrote, in his own hand, the

first dedication he addressed to us. “Best wishes for a remarkable

couple who are enthusiastic supporters of deserving causes, and who

have won my respect and admiration. Mandela.”

In 2004 on returning home one day, I was surprised to find a post-

card from Nelson Mandela, thanking us for a present. He had signed

the postcard in an unusual manner as, Madiba. The message said...

“To Lola and Bio. Many thanks for the beautiful present. It is price-

less. We will always treasure your friendship and love. Madiba.”

If I think of what inspired me to write this book, two things stand

out in my mind. The title says it all. Thank you, Madiba. The oth-

er emerged as I was writing the book: discovering my roots, the

history of my family, and my identity as a Mozambican. These two

motives are intrinsically related. The second would not have been

possible if I had not met Nelson Mandela, listened carefully to his

words, observed his behaviour, and socialised with him to a point

that allows me to call him a friend.

The challenge of collecting the data that made it possible to unravel

some of the mysteries surrounding the history of my family fast be-

came a real pleasure. However, the main reason never ceased, be-

ing the “thank you” that I wanted to express to Madiba. Why thank

you? This is the question I will try to answer in the following pages.

The youngest son of Graça and Samora Machel, Malenga Machel,

got married in May 2012. As at previous weddings, I had the privi-

lege of taking part in this very special occasion.

Qunu celebrations. From left to right: Zanele Mbeki, wife of former President Thabo Mbeki, Madiba, Lola and I..

4342


The symbol of the wedding was a tree, depicting the marriage of

Patricia Costa to Malenga Machel. The tree, with its roots, shade

and fruit, represents the present and the future. This theme moved

all of us.

This occasion was another moment of joy and happiness, shared

between different generations, united by a common way of thinking

and anchored in solidarity. For reasons of health, Madiba was not

present at these festivities. He would soon be 94 years old.

When there is any important event concerning Samora Machel, I

and the other members of the organising group are there, always

ready to receive the guests in Xilembene. It could be a major event

such as Samito’s wedding, requiring complex logistical machinery,

or it could be a simple date to be marked. On the day when Mama

Graça received a tractor to plough the fields, for example, a tradi-

tional ceremony was held consisting of spilling a little drink on the

ground, thus evoking the spirits of the ancestors so that they might

bless the occasion.

***

From left to right: Epifânia Costa, Mama Graça, Malenga and Patrícia Machel, Eliasse Faquir and António Costa.

Malenga and Mama Graça at the wedding in Xilembene.

4544

1The organising group.standing from left to right: Lola, Olívia, Lena, Quina, Andrade, Zimba and Ana. Seated from left to right: Me, Mama Graça, Madiba and Mama Thandi.

thank you madiba - kwandika.com€¦ · thank you madiba author abílio soeiro -...

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