Mayor’s tribute to Mandela

On the evening of July 18, 1918, a traditional candle was lit as a new son was born in Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

That child was Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Little did we realise that the light from that candle will touch even the darkest corners of our oppressed nation, and that its light would usher hope to the rest of the oppressed people throughout the world.

It is truly an honour and a privilege to join the world in paying tribute to a man who exemplifies the best qualities espoused by humanity. We know all South Africans, and indeed the world join us as we mourn our beloved icon.

A man respected, admired, loved by people across the world as a role model of what morality really means. This is a giant who taught the rest of the world how to forgive.

When detractors thought that the dawn of the new South Africa would signal the start of bloodshed in this country, he remained cool, calm and collected as he became the ambassador of peace and stability during a very difficult time in our history.

The Time Magazine best described Mandela with a headline: “Protester. Prisoner. Peacemaker.”

This was a Statesman who rose above hate and vengeance to embrace peace and reconciliation. A man whose courage, wisdom, visionary leadership and almost unhuman–like capacity to forgive, continues to inspire peoples far beyond South Africa.

The fact that he could just put the atrocious treatment he received at the hands of the Apartheid regime behind him goes to show that this was a man with an incredible heart. An inspirational human-being.

He redefined the concept of leadership and added that unique Madiba Touch to it.

He proved through his own example that faith, hope and ubuntu are qualities that must define who we are as a people. His belief and commitment to equality and justice propelled his energy as he steadfastly fought for an end to all forms of oppression in this country.

Because of Tata, the world is a better place today. Because of him, the world is working to be a kinder place.

Because of him all of us in this country continue on his mission to build a non-sexist, non-racial and democratic South Africa.

A country that belongs to all of us.

This is a man who sacrificed his family so that we could be free. He spent 27 years incarcerated – not for himself, but for all of us. This was a true father of the nation. As we mourn this great leader of our lifetime, we must not just sob, but also celebrate a life well lived. Let us reflect on the positive things that Madiba espoused and use these to make this country a better place and give hope to those less fortunate.

As the city of Ekurhuleni, we join hands with the globe in mourning the passing of the father of our nation. Our farewell bid to Nelson Mandela must not be final – we must refuse to say goodbye to his ideals, his vision, and the dream he had for this country.

Madiba may have passed on but I do believe that his spirit will never leave us. This son of the soil will forever live in our hearts.

In the many inspiring messages that this great man shared with us, I wish to remind you of this one: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

The world has lost a great man and an incredible human-being.

Rest in Peace Mthembu! Lala Ngoxolo Madiba.

Your spirit shall continue to shape our lives positively forever.