Former US president Barack Obama has hailed former South Africa’s president, Nelson Mandela as a true symbol of democracy.
Obama was delivering the 16th annual #NelsonMandelaLecture at the Wanderers Stadium in Illovo, Johannesburg.
Obama said Mandela reminds us all that democracy is more than just elections but about the people and their wellbeing.
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“Otherwise he could have been a president for life and who would have challenged him,” said the first black American president.
“Had he chosen to do that he could have done that but he was mindful that no individual can rule people forever. He knew that democracy is based on the majority’s principles.”
According to Obama, democracy is based on strong institutions and cited freedom of the press and an independent judicial system, among others.
“But it could be messy. Believe me, I know,” he said.
Obama said some people, the world-over saw the politics of fear and resentment as preferable to the messiness of democracy.
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He, however, said that he still believes in the vision of Nelson Mandela.
“I believe we have no choice but to move forward… I believe those of us who believe in democracy and human rights have a better story to tell,” he said.
To the young people, the former US president said you need to be roused and fired up in your quest to better your future.
Obama also took a swipe at the financial elite who, he said, are unwilling to share their wealth with the poor. “You have so much money, houses and other things but you would not even take that little child to school… if you have, help that child,” he said.
