Photo by: Duane Daws
This morning we woke up to the sad news of the departure of the beloved father of our nation and one of the greatest statesman the world has ever seen - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - Tata Madiba. It is a devastatingly sorrowful day for South Africans – and indeed for all people around the world. We have lost a great leader and humanitarian who inspired us and gave hope to millions.
Most importantly, we loved him dearly and held him close as one of our own.
He was more than an iconic figure, or a poster on a wall. He personified the spirit of forgiveness, love and compassion – rare attributes in any age of our collective histories.
Our nation has been blessed with an individual of such rare stature. Let us honour his memory by ensuring that his good deeds live on, embodied in all our actions.
That is the best we can do. We must continue to celebrate his life.
At this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all his close colleagues who shared his life with him during the years of trial and tribulation.
Tata, may you be warmly welcomed in the arms of our comrades - Albert Luthuli, Robert Sobukwe, Steve Biko, OR Tambo, Joe Slovo, Pixley ka Seme, Bambatha kaMancinza, Ruth First, and Nxele.
Give them our love and avow to them that our dream of freedom lives on.
Robala ka kgotso!