This month we said our last goodbyes to a legend – a man who leaves behind him a lasting legacy. On the 5th of December news of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s death started to spread across Africa, the global wave of sorrow & remembrance touching every soul on the planet.
Condolences poured in and dignitaries and world leaders urgently rescheduled their itineraries. Madiba was the focus of every newspaper, radio program & TV station, not only in South Africa but across the globe. Memorial services were held in stadiums around the country, everyone joining together to celebrate the life of this heroic icon. Candlelight vigils lit up the dark streets in cities throughout his homeland and beyond. Speeches were made and tears were spilled, and eventually his body was laid to rest.
Mandela’s end goal has still not been reached, however, even in his old age and with his increasing frailty he always projected hope, expectation and the honest belief that we can achieve the beautiful dream framed by the Freedom Charter.
While he is gone we should not forget Madiba’s struggle. A young Nelson ensured he was as prepared as possible by arming himself with knowledge and education. He met, shared ideas and was inspired by people like Walter Sisulu, Joe Slovo, Harry Schwartz & Ruth First, to name only a few. He took honest stock of the situation that his country was in and could not deny his moral obligation to fight the injustices of institutionalised racism.
He was a fighter, a man of action, and if his legacy has taught us anything, it is not to be complacent or content, not to hate but to forgive and to keep moving forward despite all obstacles. Mandela’s passing gave us cause to remember and celebrate his achievements and his courage, and even in death he united nations and gave us the hope that together we can work towards his dream – not only in South Africa, but in every country in the world.
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people…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.”
Hamba Kahle Tata Madiba.