Millions wait in Soweto

Mandelas leave for Soweto where millions are waiting ...

Wilmot Max Ramsay, Editor-in-Chief, The UMass Times, UMass/Boston.

     (Mon., Feb. 12, 1990).  Word just in at press time is that Nelson Mandela flew, via helicopter, from Cape Town to his hometown of Soweto where millions of his people are awaiting their leader.  It has been feared that had Mandela further delayed his arrival to Soweto this could spell unnecessary "trouble" as the over enthusiastic crowds are almost impatient.  Several functions are planned for later today.  Nelson Mandela has been out of Soweto for more than 27 years -- an odyssey of close to 10,000 days.

     Winnie Mandela accompanied her husband, Nelson, on their way home to Soweto.  The Mandelas spent last night at the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah.

     Once again, however, the Mandelas have seen it necessary not to arrive in Soweto tonight until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13.

     With this new development, added pandemonium erupts as the jubilant throngs stage yet another night of vigil in the streets of Soweto.