The South African mining industry pays tribute to the life and memory of our departed President Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela, Ah! Dalibhunga

As one of the founding fathers of our modern South African democracy, Nelson Mandela leaves a legacy of devoted service to his country and his people demonstrated by an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and liberty throughout his life.

During his term as our country’s first democratically elected President he raised the stature of South Africa as a leading nation in the world and as a secure destination for hope, growth and investment, especially in the mining sector.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones and to the South African public. We trust that the entire South African nations, who now mourn his passing, will draw strength from the example of humility and integrity set by Nelson Mandela.

In an address to the Chamber of Mines shortly after his election in 1994, Nelson Mandela said the following about the South African mining industry: “You have the capacity not only to be a reliable economic generator for South Africa and the region as a whole, but also to contribute to the building of a society freed from the faults and fissures which marred our past.”

In memory of Nelson Mandela, we remain committed to following this path. As we recommit the South African mining sector to doing more and working tirelessly with all stakeholders both in government and civil society to do more.  We shall draw from his visionary and leadership panache which is undoubtedly the foundation on which the South African mining industry seeks to build on.
As both a politician and a statesman, President Mandela has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all. As we have affectionately called him, Madiba was and will always be the iconic figure of peace, reconciliation and unity. His immeasurable legacy to both South Africa and the world will live on in the history books and future generations will learn from his example. As one of the most recognised icons and strongest unifying national symbols, Tata is the perfect epitome that leaders should emulate.
The South African mining sector will immortalise his spirit by following his legacy, and living up to the political sacrifices he endured to make South Africa a better country for all.
As a wise leader he leaves behind a deep imprint on the history of South Africa and the globe, which is why we are so grateful for all he did to change the future for all South Africans, and introduce a new South Africa to the world.
The South African mining sector knowing the important role diamonds play in the economies of southern Africa, and the moral imperative to protect the world from the scourge of conflict diamonds, recognises his significant contribution, galvanizing support from governments, civil society and companies to create what would become the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process, which has been uniquely successful by stemming the flow of conflict diamonds, marked its 10th anniversary in June 2013 in Kimberley. This too, is part of Mandela’s legacy.
We as a nation were blessed with his domicile, his custodianship, wisdom and his legacy. This is indeed a ‘privilege of responsibility’ that we need to nurture and protect into the future.
Hamba Kahle Madiba! Zondwa!
Ah Dalibhunga!