(Transcript from World News Australia Radio)
Hannah Sinclair reports.
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Nelson Mandela has been remembered as the man who rid South Africa of the injustice of apartheid and brought peace and stability to the nation.
And for South Africans now living in Australia, Mr Mandela's message of tolerance still rings true.
World mourns 'giant for justice' Mandela
Carla Afrika Sitar is the founder of the Out of Southern Africans Club in Geelong, Melbourne.
She says the Australian community can learn plenty from Mr Mandela's life.
"I would be hopeful that people in our multicultural society could learn a lot from his life and his teachings. And you know, just take those on board and go forward in the spirit of hope and goodness for all humanity that he stood for."
Ms Sitar says the work Mr Mandela did throughout his life is more relevant now than ever.
But she does fear that with his passing, people may forget what Nelson Mandela stood for.
"The message is far, far stronger than it ever has been for me. Because now I've lost what I believed the greatest and best thing, that belonged to Africa. Mr Mandela was a father of Africa, he represented a lot. I came from an era where he was of major importance but not only that. People really, really respected him. For me the fear is now that people perhaps will forget was he was about and not live by his credo."
The South African Military Veterans Organisation is comprised of those who were called up or volunteered to serve in the South African Defence Force.
National chairman of the Australasian branch, Tony Macquet, says many Vets now living in Australia played an important role in forming the 'rainbow nation' alongside Mr Mandela.
"He's being remembered as a remarkable man I do believe that he is and will always be known as the man of the century. He brought ultimately peace to South Africa, and it's an enduring peace. And we like to believe that we were partners in that, in that we managed to bring the political people together at the time back in 1994. So that the rainbow nation could be formed."
After recently visiting the country, Mr Macquet says while there are still issues of violence, he is hopeful that Mr Mandela's vision of a unified South Africa will be fully realised.
"I think that it will take time. Nothing happens over night. And it might be another generation before people are totally comfortable with the situation."
Community groups across Australia are also planning memorial services for Sunday 15 December, when Mr Mandela is due to be buried.
Abraham Mamer from the African Australian Community Centre in Melbourne says he's anticipating a large and varied turn out.
"I think it's going to be all Australian's and all people who love peace and unity. Who love to live together, who love the multiculturalism. They will definitely be out there. So I wouldn't be surprised if I could see and hear thousands of people coming out that day and celebrating his legacy and be a part of his work. It wouldn't be a surprise, and I'm thinking up to 5-10 thousand should be there. Because this is short notice, but it's something we're all looking forward to it.
Soweto celebrates Mandela's life
SBS reporter Brian Thomson visits the town of Soweto and speaks to residents about their memories of Nelson Mandela.
