"MADIBA has big hands. You can see they've been through a lot, but at the same time they're gentle. And his hugs are incredibly comforting."
This was the experience of Krivani Pillay, a reporter with eNews Channel Africa, who says she became a journalist after a conversation with Nelson Mandela.
Pillay met Mandela 18 years ago when she was 16 and a pupil at Durban Girls' Secondary She and eight other pupils travelled to New York and Switzerland to learn about the UN.
Mandela, in the second year of his presidency was in New York for the 50th sitting of the UN's General Assembly.
"The first time I saw Madiba was when he was released from prison and I felt a connection like never before. So in 1995 when there was this chance I could meet him through the model UN school debates, I worked hard to ensure I won every round, and eventually was the KZN representative," Pillay said.
"Madiba also read an essay I wrote about my dream for the new South Africa and when I met him in New York he picked me out and asked what I wanted to do with my life.
"I said I wanted to become a speech and hearing therapist and assist children with speech impediments. He suggested I become a journalist because, at a young age, I had captured his attention with my writing. "
He went on to remind me about the role journalism played in ensuring sanctions were placed on the apartheid government.
“He also mentioned the invaluable role of underground journalism. Now that the country had attained freedom and democracy it was time to tell the whole world our story".
Pillay applied for a Bachelor of Journalism degree at Rhodes University Once she completed her degree she began her career with SABC News in Durban and eventually went on to host PM Live on SAFM. She is now at eNews Channel Africa.
"Madiba completely changed the outcome of my life. Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet him again, but I did contact the Nelson Mandela Foundation to get him to listen to my shows.
"He is my ethical guide in my career and personal life and he inspires me to think out of the box and help make this country better."
Journalist Krivani Pillay (right and seated on couch, far right above) with the other pupils who were privileged to meet Mandela in New York in 1996. The pupils were learning about the UN and Mandela was in New York for the 50th sitting of the UN General Assembly.
By Bronwyn Fourie
Source: Mercury