Rest in peace Madiba
Although we've been waiting for Madiba to leave us, it still came as quite a shock when it finally happened.
And as a sombre mood fell over our country something else happened too. Something beautiful which he would have loved.
Boundaries came down and South Africans took to the streets unified in grief and in celebration of a truly remarkable human being.
Words fail me. I feel so blessed to be part of such a unique experience. Madiba has to be looking down, smiling at us and I believe he is proud.
If we can emulate his example in life then there is hope for our country. The impact he has had on the world is immeasurable and the love sent to South Africans from across the globe has been palpable.
For someone to have gone through so much and come out such a forgiving, peaceful and loving person is extraordinary.
Quotes and words of wisdom by our former president have been doing the rounds on social media, television and radio since his passing, but I find that one of the most profound things he ever said remains, “Shakespeare put it very well: ‘Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear; seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.’ When you believe that, you disappear under a cloud of glory. Your name lives beyond the grave – and that is my approach.”
Rest in peace Tata Madiba. You will be missed but remembered fondly.
