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Tribute to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela by African National Congress
an article by Secretary General of African National Congess
Comrades and friends,
The Mandela family,
Fellow South Africans,
click on photo to enlarge
"In the life of every nation, there arise men who
leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the
history of their peoples; men who are both
products and makers of history. And when they pass
they leave a vision of a new and better life and
the tools with which to win and build it."
With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the
African National Congress received the sad news of
the passing of our Isithwalandwe and former
President, Comrade Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Our nation has lost a colossus, an epitome of
humility, equality, justice, peace and the hope of
millions; here and abroad.
Madiba loved South Africa. We recall the strength
of his fist punching the air as he stepped out of
prison after 27 years; and his sternness during
the negotiations for the freedom of our beloved
country. We celebrate his ever-present smile, the
cheerful Madiba jive, his love for children and
great respect for the women of this country.
The large African Boabab, who loved Africa as much
as he loved South Africa, has fallen. Its trunk and
seeds will nourish the earth for decades to come.
Nelson Mandela, Isithwalandwe – Seaparankwe, born
in the village of Qunu in the erstwhile Bantustan
of the Transkei, recognised the burden of colonial
and racial oppression and exploitation. He then
joined the African National Congress in 1942. He
was convinced by the belief his wise tutor, Walter
Sisulu, had in the ANC as the means to effect
change in South Africa. As he said,
"Sometimes one can judge an organization by the
people who belong to it, and I knew that I would be
proud to belong to any organization of which Walter
was a member".
He loved the ANC. Hence his frequent words that upon
his death he would join "the nearest branch of the
ANC in heaven"
In his lifetime of struggle through the African
National Congress, he assumed and was assigned
various leadership positions. He served with
distinction. He was part of the ANC leadership
collective and did not make decisions without
first reflecting with his comrades. Yet he would
fight for the principle of what was the right
thing to do.
Madiba was also a member of the South African
Communist Party, where he served in the Central
Committee.
His was a choice to not only be a product but the
maker of his and his people´s history.
Soon after prison he took the mantle of the
President of the ANC and, ultimately the country –
becoming the first President of a democratic South
Africa. He worked tirelessly for the ANC and a
free South Africa. He hated racism and bigotry;
sought a united, non-racial, non-sexist and
democratic society where all are equal. As he said
while in prison,
"Ours is not to ask for equality on a lower scale;
Ours is to fight to win on an equal but higher
level".
(This article is continued in the discussionboard)
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DISCUSSION
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LATEST READER COMMENT:
(The following is continued from the main article listed above.)
He passed the baton to the younger generation of his beloved movement, the ANC, to carry on with the vision of bringing about an equal and just society. The ANC continues in this task as set forth by him and those of his generation, living and deceased. Indeed, men and women such as Nelson Mandela,
"... when they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools with which to win and build it.
His life gives us the courage to push forward for development and progress towards ending hunger and poverty. As we said of him while still alive, and we say so now,
"We have you, Madiba, as our nearest and brightest star to guide us on our way. We will not get lost."
To the entire family of Mandela, we extend our heartfelt condolences. He was as much yours as he was ours, probably his dedication to the ANC family robbed you of a father. We will, from this minute on, as always, walk this journey with you to the end.
To his friends, in the ANC and across the globe and across all divide, be comforted.
To the people of South Africa, may your hearts be not in distress. . ...more.
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