It’s a sad day.
We’ve lost one of the greatest statesmen who ever lived, and behind him he’s leaving a huge void.
Farewell Nelson Mandela
His passing is all over our TV’s and on every social network …”A crowd has gathered outside the house where Mr Mandela died. Some are flying South African flags and wearing the shirts of the governing African National Congress, which Mr Mandela once led.”
I expect the tributes will keep coming from far and wide for many hours today.
We lived in Southern Africa for many years, and in all my time in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho, the name “Nelson Mandela,” was never far from our lips.
He was many things; freedom fighter, lawyer, revolutionary, politician, world leader, husband, father, grandfather, spirit of a nation. I remember visiting his spartan cell on Robben Island and wondering how it was possible for a man to spend 27 years in prison and not only educate himself to a high level, but also to come away with only forgiveness for his jailors in his heart.
When apartheid reigned he was considered a revolutionary, swiftly followed by a saint on his release from prison, and a world leader of magnum proportion.
He preached reconciliation, and forgiveness. He was credited with dismantling South Africa’s system of apartheid which institutionalised racism. Mostly Mandela was an international symbol of reconciliation and human rights.
His big ideas are renowned, his focus on being the best person you can be are often conjured into my memory.
Interested in more about Madiba’s life?
Why South African Children Love Mandela
An extraordinary life devoted to the greater good
So as we say Farewell Nelson Mandela, do you have an over-riding memory of this great man … or perhaps a favourite quote you’d like to share?
The Great Parabens Debate
I live in South Africa and it has truly been the saddest time for all of us. Madiba was our hero. No one, absolutely no one will ever be able to fill his shoes.
I understand the way you feel and can only imagine that the feelings of grief and loss are like a national wound at the moment in South Africa. Thank you for reading my tribute 🙂
An amazing man who will long be revered in history.
Nice words, Jill. Yes, he was just that 🙂
This was a beautiful post, Jo.
I was trying to sum up Mandela such that a curious 3yo could understand this week (as he kept seeing photos of him and asked), and of course it was complicated, but I think what he remembered out of it was just that he was a truly very good man. And that there are not many like him.
Thanks Amanda 🙂 I think the way you described him to your son was exactly right 🙂
Will anyone ever achieve so much for humanity again? I guess it will seem impossible until it happens. Ubuntu.
I also wonder Tracey, one day, maybe 🙂
He was an amazing man and the U.S. is honoring and remembering him for all he achieved.
President Obama gave a very nice tribute that we saw on Australian TV, Neva 🙂
Will we ever see another like him I wonder, thanks for your post. Rae xxx
I wonder too, Rae. Thanks for reading 🙂