THE BOOTS BECAME HISTORY!

The historical story of Late Nelson Mandela's boots which were left at the residence of  Cabinet Minister Late Nsilo Swai in 1962 and handed over to him in 1995 by Lion Vicky Nsilo Swai in Pretoria, South Africa.

Mrs. Vicky Nsilo Swai receiving Lions Leadership Certificate from International Director Lion Alexis V. Gomes and few hours later she was sworn-in as a New Lion Member. A few years ago, the International Director presented Late Nelson Mandela with  a plaque of Melvin Jones Fellow and Lion Vicky Swai presented Late Nelson Mandela his black-colour boots which he had forgotten in the premises of  Cabinet Minister Late A. Nsilo Swai in Dar es Salaam.

HISTORICAL PAIR OF BOOTS!

Sixteen new Members were inducted by International Director Lion Alexis Gomes into the den of Lions two weeks ago in Dar es Salaam.  Among them is one Lion Vicky Nsilo Swai whose name will deserve a few paragraphs  in the biographical  history of  Late Nelson Rolihlahla Dalibunga Mandela. 

When Late Nelson Mandela or popularly called Mandiba visited Tanzania, there were logical reasons why he did not put-up in a five-star hotel. The doors of the residential premises of Late A. Nsilo Swai, former Cabinet Minister during the term of  President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, were opened for this great leader of not only South Africa but the Continent of Africa.

Coming to the angle of this story, Late Nelson Mandela either forgot or intentionally left his pair of black leather boots in the premises of Late Nsilo Swai. This was during the year 1962. Mrs. Vicky Nsilo Swai, like a good host and a good house-wife  took care of the boots until 1995 when she officially flew to Pretoria, South Africa to hand-over the historical boots to its owner.

Late Nelson Mandela (1918 -2013) is well recognized as a symbol of wisdom, an architect of equality, an image of goodness, reconciliation and forgiveness. He was a peaceful freedom fighter and for twenty years he directed a campaign of peaceful and non-violent defiance against South Africa’s Government policy of Racism and Apartheid.

Late Nelson Mandela had a charismatic and magnetic personality. During his State Burial Ceremony not less than seventy Head of States and representatives of various Governments, diplomats, high ranking religious leaders in thousands attended the solemn ceremonies.

We wish to re-quote the words of Late Madiba: “I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestation. I have fought it all during my life, I fight it now and will do so, until the end of my life.” May God rest his soul in Eternal Peace…Amen.

Note: Lion Vicky Nsilo Swai is now Lion Member of Lions Club of Moshi Kibo, in Kilimanjaro Region.

Story by Abdul Hai

Picture of new members by Abdul Hai and the other two from Lion Vicky Nsilo Swai.