Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013
As we mourn the passing of international icon Nelson Mandela and celebrate a remarkable life well lived, I am humbled and honoured to have been in South Africa during his legendary lifetime of leadership and service. Future generations will learn about him through history, but we knew him as “Our Madiba”. Madiba was a precious gift to our country, a nation-builder who unified our people and gave us hope for a brighter future. His values of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility and compassion drove his struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. South Africa was blessed to have Tata Madiba as the visionary and founding father of our democratic nation.
As the world marks and mourns his passing, what can be learned from his life? How can we embody his principles and ensure that his legacy lives on?
I suggest that one of the important lessons we can take from his life, is that regardless of your beginnings, you can shape your future. By standing for something, believing in your cause wholeheartedly, working with diligence to achieve your goals, you can change your life and the lives of those around you. Madiba did that.
He never focused on his hardships, particularly the damage done to his eyesight and lungs while working the limestone quarries of Robben Island. Rather than dwell on the negative, he embraced the positive. His acts of reconciliation to those who persecuted him took great courage, yet he reached out to people with grace, dignity and magnanimity. He was an inspirational example to us all.
He never focused on his hardships, particularly the damage done to his eyesight and lungs while working the limestone quarries of Robben Island. Rather than dwell on the negative, he embraced the positive. His acts of reconciliation to those who persecuted him took great courage, yet he reached out to people with grace, dignity and magnanimity. He was an inspirational example to us all.
Perhaps the most poignant lesson we can learn, is his life of discipline and personal sacrifice. He refused to compromise his beliefs and devoted his entire life to working for the benefit of others. His stand against injustice changed an entire nation. By serving the people, he sacrificed time with his beloved family, and we thank them for sharing their husband, father and grandfather so generously with us so that he could be the Father of our Nation.
Madiba’s legacy will live on through us if we strive to emulate his example.
Bishop Marcelo Pires
Madiba’s legacy will live on through us if we strive to emulate his example.
3 comments:
He was an incredible man indeed. We should take note from this he was not afraid to sacrife not afraid to die for his beliefs. if we believe in such a great God we can all do the same.
When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace." Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, 1918-2013 You can now rest tata you truelly did everything in excellence.
I was watching the documentaries program and I never knew what our country went through but after seeing the struggle and how many people died. I was so amazed and especially what Mr Nelson Mandela fought for. He was a true icon and what he has done for this country will always be with us. He will be missed by many.
Yugendrie - Park Station
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