Tomorrow 10 December 2013 will mark 5 days following the passing of what can arguably be the most loved statesman, Tata Nelson Mandela. As tributes continue to pour in for the revered statesman, many continue to express their love and appreciation for the former President, husband, father, grandfather and world icon in a number of ways.

“Tata Nelson Mandela meant different things to different people, as he continued to touch the lives of millions in different ways through his good and honourable deeds,” says National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Chairperson Yershen Pillay.

“But there is undoubtedly one common thread to which we can all associate with Tata Mandela and that is his passion for education. This was evident through his assertion that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.

Not only did he talk the talk, he also walked the walk, his passion for education has been evident throughout his work in government where he made a point that both government and business played an important role in building schools and ensuring that as many African children as possible are able to access education. He was indeed an Education Activist throughout his life,” says Pillay.

Pillay says as we continue in our different ways, to mourn the great loss, while celebrating his great life and achievements, let us all be reminded of his passion for education. The best way that we as young people can honour his legacy is to read, write and learn. That's what Madiba would have wanted most from us.

Let us honour what he stood for by preoccupying ourselves with nothing more than education, education and more education. Madiba had a passion for education and we too should share a similar passion for our own development.

Let our government and business continues with the great legacy of Tata Mandela to build more schools and open the doors of learning for all. In honour of the greatest statesman that ever lived let there be no child who cannot access education because they are poor or disadvantaged.

“As we pay tribute to the life and times of our revered leader, statesman and revolutionary, comrade Nelson Mandela, let us pick up the spear as the youth of South Africa and take forward his legacy of selflessness, humanity and dignity for all.

As a young lion, he was brave, courageous and just. He displayed an intellectual militancy of note. He placed a great deal of emphasis on reading and being educated and young South Africans have a responsibility to follow in his footsteps and be educated,” concludes Pillay.