NELSON Mandela died at his home last night at the age of 95. Tata has gone from us. This was the inevitable which South Africans feared as our elderly statesman’s health became more and more critical this past year.And while we mourn this beacon of hope who made us proud to be his countrymen, proud to be South African, we take comfort in the knowledge that Nelson Rohlihlanhla Mandela’s suffering is over.
Madiba taught us many lessons which, hopefully, we will take to our hearts and attempt to live our lives by the blueprint he left us.
At the cornerstone of his life was his unwavering commitment to a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. His famous speech from the dock at the Rivonia treason trial in 1964 spelt out his resolve that he was prepared to die for his ideals. “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
But Mandela was more than a courageous fighter for democracy and human rights. His ability to forgive was a quality and a stance which pulled this country back from the edge of the abyss, from the very real possibility of bloodshed and chaos when he was released from 27 years of imprisonment at the hands of the apartheid government.
If there was bitterness in his heart he never showed it. It was this magnanimous spirit which set South Africa free and on a path of unity which we may yet achieve.
Another facet of this great man was his enjoyment and love of children. Of the many hundreds of photographs of Madiba with statesmen, celebrities, presidents and kings, those which show real warmth shining from his eyes are those of him surrounded by children of all colours and creeds. He loved to hear the opinions of our little ones.
This generosity of spirit was extended to everyone but the perception that Madiba was just a sweet old man is far from the truth.
Mandela was a strong, powerful statesman who used his position for the good with strength and humility.
We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Go well Tata, and thank you.
