We are into the fourth year since we lost our most prized national treasure - former President and father to our nation, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

There have been many people who have shared their stories about their first encounter with Madiba, stories of how much of a charming, witty, and clever man he was.  

Although he was a people’s person, being in his presence must’ve been a daunting and humbling experience. Imagine if you were a make-up artist and were called in to do Nelson Mandela’s make-up?

An exciting, yet scary duty, right?

That’s how celebrity make-up artist and stylist Nthato Mashishi felt when he was invited to Tata Mandela’s house for dinner and to do his make-up when he was still the President of our beautiful country.

“This was the biggest highlight of my life and career. I will never forget those two moments. I’ll forever treasure those moments," Mashishi told ZAlebs.

"When doing his make-up I was also extremely nervous to touch him, but he was such a generous and kind man. When you were touching Tata you could feel his energy rubbing off on you. Being in his household and touching him was such a blessing to me.

"I’ve worked with a lot of international people, but for me that day, I shall forever cherish in my heart because I believe in everything that Tata stood for and I’m what I am because of him."