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Minister Nkoana-Mashabane pays tribute to former President Nelson Mandela (South Africa)
an article by Nkoana-Mashabane, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
South Africans and millions of people from around
the world are today mourning the loss of Nelson
Rolihlahla Mandela, our first democratically elected
President of a free South Africa.
click on photo to enlarge
An international icon and a symbol of hope for the
oppressed and marginalised people across the
globe, former President Mandela dedicated his life
in service of humanity and contributed immensely
to the promotion of a culture of peace throughout
the world.
Former President Mandela worked tirelessly in the
struggle for democracy and for the promotion and
protection of human rights internationally.
Today, we pay tribute to this formidable Statesman’s
long history and leading role in, and support for
Africa’s struggle for liberation and unity, and
outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-
racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.
Former President Mandela will always be remembered
worldwide for his values and dedication to the
service of humanity in the fields of conflict
resolution, reconciliation, the promotion and
protection of the rights of children, gender
equality and the uplifting of the poor.
During his lifetime, former President Mandela was
bestowed with numerous awards and honours, including
the Nobel Peace Prize.
At the initiative of the South African Government
and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the United
Nations General Assembly, in 2010, proclaimed 18
July, the birthday of former President Mandela, as
“Nelson Mandela International Day”, to be observed
each year.
Since 2010, millions of people from around the
world have annually celebrated Madiba’s birthday
by dedicating their time in community service -
their actions inspired by the life’s work of this
iconic South African leader. This is the only
fitting way to pay tribute to this great man – by
looking back at his public and political life and
emulating his selflessness and kindness.
Former President Mandela once said that “to be
free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to
live in a way that respects and enhances the
freedom of others.” These words remain true as we
celebrate South Africa’s 20th Anniversary of
Freedom and Democracy next year.
Through his extraordinary actions and personality,
Madiba remains a moral compass that all of us will
forever look up to.
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DISCUSSION
Question(s) related to this article:
What is the legacy of Nelson Mandela for us today?,
Where in the world can we find good leadership today?,
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LATEST READER COMMENT:
ON MANDELA'S LASTING LEGACY
In death, as in his life, Nelson Mandela has captured the imagination of the world. Mourning mixed with celebration has electrified crowds all over South Africa and elsewhere. His life’s achievements and his lasting legacy are the topics of discussions. He has been described as a great warrior, a great liberator, the last giant in the fight against colonialism, forgiver, peace maker, and in many other ways.
All this week, Mandela’s lasting legacy has been on my mind. We tend to capture the legacies of great men and women in a word or two. A scientist becomes famous for an important discovery, a writer for a famous book, a musician for a great composition, and so on.
People like Mandela fall in a different category. He is in the category of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. . ...more.
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