Tributes pour in for Madiba
President Jacob Zuma as well as friends of Madiba pay triubute to the father of the nation.
AN activist, a man of the people, a unifying force and shining light during the dark days of aparthied, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s importance to South Africa and indeed the world cannot be understated. He is one of the world’s most revered statesmen and is regarded as South Africa’s Father of the Nation. ‘Tata’ Madiba was at the forefront of the resistance struggle to replace the apartheid regime with a multi-racial democracy.
His death on Thursday night triggered a flurry of messages and tributes to the Father of the Nation. In a live televised address, President Jacob Zuma, said although South Africans knew that this day would come, nothing could diminish the sense of profound and enduring loss.
President Jacob Zuma
“Our thoughts are with the South African people who mourn the loss of the one person who, more than any other, came to embody their sense of a common nationhood. Our thoughts are with the millions of people across the world who embraced Madiba as their own, and who saw his cause as their cause,” said the President.
“Let us express, each in our own way, the deep gratitude we feel for a life spent in service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity. This is indeed the moment of our deepest sorrow. Yet it must also be the moment of our greatest determination,” said Zuma.
Former President Thabo Mbeki
Former President Thabo Mbeki said the passing of world icon signals the end of an historic era characterised by the heroic deeds of his generation.
“President Mandela and his generation discovered the mission of their generation. They were at all times faithful to it, as a result of which they fulfilled it. His death demands of those of us who remain, South Africans and all Africans on the rest of our continent, that we commit ourselves selflessly to address the many challenges we face,” he said.
Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada
Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada, who has known Madiba for 67 years paid the greatest tribute to the former statesman.
“Your abundant reserves of love, simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality and justice continually served as a source of enormous strength to me and so many millions of people around the world. Your smile, which lingers still, was always from the heart, never forced, and the great joy you took in the world around you, especially in children, was unmistakable. Most of all, you symbolise, and always will, collective leadership, reconciliation, unity, forgiveness, nation-building and a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.
“While we may be drowned in sorrow and grief, we must be proud and grateful that after the long walk paved with obstacles and suffering, we salute you as a fighter for freedom to the end. Farewell my elder brother, my mentor, my leader. With all the energy and determination at our command, we pledge to join the people of South Africa and the world to perpetuate the ideals and values for which you have devoted your life.
eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo
Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, James Nxumalo, also extended his condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela.
“We have a special relationship with Madiba. On 27 April 1994, Tata cast his vote in Ohlange High (Inanda), a significant gesture making our beloved Inanda, the birthplace of democracy. On 16 April 1999, Madiba was honoured with the Freedom of the City of Durban.
“Madiba is the embodiment of peace, love and democracy whose life has inspired generations throughout the world. We will continue to walk on his footsteps in promoting and building a truly non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society. Lala ngoxolo Tata. Sizohlala sikukhumbula njalo.
Faisal Suliman
Faisal Suliman, chairman of the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) said Mandela left an legacy second to none in the annals of South African history. “Although his unshakeable passion to eradicate injustice brought him and his family much strife and suffering, he remained steadfast in championing in the cause of the poor, powerless and down-trodden.
“To him justice and equality were indivisible and had to be relentlessly pursued irrespective of race, colour or creed and without fear or favour. Remarkably, he never deviated from the consistent, principled response to injustice and inhumanity throughout his life. The best tribute we can give to Madiba would be to emulate many of the principles he stood for, to speak truth to power and to continue to build on his legacy of non- racism and equality for all.
Adam Habib
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Adam Habib, urged South Africans to celebrate his humility, his principles, his commitment to justice, peace and freedom during this time and we must never forget the values for which he fought so hard and for which he was prepared to die.
“You were of us, but you belonged to the world. You lived amongst us now, but your legacy will inspire for eternity. Hamba kahle Tata – You are in our hearts,” he said.
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