Share

Mandela is 'like a God'

Bruce Hepburn - SuperSport

Johannesburg - Lewis Hamilton says that after his second meeting with Nelson Mandela in April, his admiration for the former South African president has grown even more.

Hamilton was well on his way to his 2008 Formula One World Championship title when he was invited to Mandela's 90th birthday party that year.

The F1 star was joined at the gala dinner by many of the world's rich and famous, like Bill Clinton, Elton John and Denzel Washington, but Mandela impressed Hamilton the most and his admiration grew even more when the two met again in April this year. Hamilton was in Cape Town for a PR appearance for McLaren sponsor Vodafone and used the opportunity to have a second visit with Mandela which left him even more impressed than two years earlier.

Speaking on the Motorsport Total web site, Hamilton said of Mandela: "For many South Africans, he is a hero."

The 25-year old Briton said he had admired Mandela while still at school. 

"Nelson Mandela is simply a great personality - warm-hearted and always happy," continued Hamilton. "He sat for 27 years in prison and nevertheless is so unencumbered and at peace with the world. After his release from prison, he even went to visit his jailor and had tea with him. That is quite unbelievable!"

"I felt a certain humility and pride at being allowed to meet him. He was impressive - like a God," said Hamilton. "With people like him, the world could have been very much better."

"It was so nice at our meeting - not only for me, but for my entire family. It was not a simple 'meet-and-greet". It was really beautiful."

" I have now been to South Africa two or three times, and Cape Town and Johannesburg are two of my favourite places," he continued. " When I went to Cape Town the first time, it bowled me over! I was there for one and a half days and it was simply unbelievable."

Hamilton currently lies second in the 2010 world championship which resumes after a summer break with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on 29 August.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE