The University of the Witwatersrand extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the father of our nation and an international icon, who passed away on Thursday, 5 December 2013 at the age of 95. May his soul rest in peace.
Founding president of democratic South Africa, Tata Nelson Mandela changed the world as we know it. He has left a legacy that will benefit and inspire generations to come. He set an example for the rest of the world and created history on his journey through life.
We must celebrate his humility, his principles, his commitment to justice, peace and freedom during this time and we must never forget the values for which he fought so hard and for which he was prepared to die.
Tata Madiba, we walk in your footsteps, we are guided by your principles, and we live by your humanity. You are with us today, and your contribution as an alumnus of our University, as a fellow South African, as a comrade, and as the father of our young nation, is etched in history, and will live on forever.
The father of our nation, Madiba was Wits University’s most illustrious student and alumnus. He was a close friend of the University and blessed us with his presence over the years in several roles - as a student, a politician, an activist, as an Honorary graduate, as a President, a Nobel prize-winner, a guest and as a world leader.
Wits University bestowed an Honorary Doctorate upon Nelson Mandela in 1991 for his ‘commitment to justice (which) drew him out of his profession and into national leadership’.
You were of us, but you belonged to the world. You lived amongst us now, but your legacy will inspire for eternity.
Hamba kahle Tata - You are in our hearts.