6 days ago
Dr Moodley's tea tin and book serve as a daily reminder of Madiba's sacrifices
Seshni Moodliar Rensburg with her tea tin and book.
Image: Supplied Dr Sesh
DOCTOR Seshni Moodliar Rensburg has a book and tea tin in her kitchen in the United Kingdom that remind her of the sacrifices and contributions Nelson Mandela has made in South Africa.
She said the items stood prominently in her home, and on Madiba's birthday today, she thought it was apt to give thanks to a "truly remarkable man".
The book is Long Walk to Freedom and the tea tin bears his face with the words "Mandela Tea" - the organic honeybush variety.
Moodliar Rensburg, formerly of Durban, now lives with her family in the UK.
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"Through Mandela's fight, I was able to qualify as one of the first Indian doctors at the University of the Free State in 2000. I'm so grateful to him. This then paved the way for more non-white medical students, like me, at Kovsies in Bloemfontein," she said.
"A beautiful memory is of my family and I visiting Robben Island in April 2019. I would recommend that anyone searching to know more about Mandela's struggles in prison, visit. It was a memorable trip to teach our three children about the former statesman."
Moodliar Rensburg said many of Mandela's quotes inspired her and have become daily mantras. One is: 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Another, "It always seems impossible until it is done."
"For the first quote, I am constantly learning. The second is a brilliant quote to have a vision and accomplish your goals. No matter how difficult it may seem, it's achievable. And then there is 'A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination'. As a doctor, a healthy body and mind are equally important. Madiba was such a wise man."
She said as portrayed in the film Invictus, in which Mandela faced the task of unifying a country divided by race, he knew he had to forgive.
"And through this he was able to achieve freedom. It's a message for all of us. Today I remember him on his birthday and celebrate all that he gave to us and the world. He was truly a remarkable man. The book, Long Walk to Freedom, and the tea tin are constant reminders in my home of Madiba."
She said she recently completed a book on her great grandmother, Annama Vather (Moodley), from Pietermaritzburg, and she included two photographs of Mandela.
"One picture is of him with Oprah Winfrey. There is another of him with my late uncle, Vasu Chetty, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, AS Chetty and Dr Motala."
Her book, Annama Vather - A Matriarch, will be available from and at the Eduvos Durban International Book Fair from August 14 to 18 in Umhlanga.
Her great grandmother was brought to Natal during indenture.
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