The world Thursday mourned the death of Nobel Peace prize laureate our beloved Nelson Mandela, the most universally loved and revered leader in history, hailed as an “incredible gift” to humanity.
Nelson Mandela who was the icon of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and a colossus of
20th century politics. He was elected South Africa’s first black
president after spending nearly three decades in jail.
Mandela endured almost 27 years behind bars, yet when he walked out to
freedom in 1990, he left
all his bitterness and hatred behind. At the time, his country was on the cusp of civil war, with the vast majority of its people still suffering under the apartheid regime. But he sought reconciliation, not retribution. And over the next few years, he showed the world how wisdom and tolerance could prevail over racism and brute strength. He negotiated the dismantling of white supremacy and laid the foundations for a new democratic South Africa. He brokered an agreement on universal suffrage and democratic elections and became the country’s first black president in 1994, a year after winning the Nobel Peace Prize for presiding over a peaceful termination of the apartheid regime. Today, nearly two decades later, as he lies in hospital, fighting one last battle.
Indeed he was a towering model of the 20th century who inspired millions across the globe with his struggle for equality. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. We join all those who hope peace for his soul.
all his bitterness and hatred behind. At the time, his country was on the cusp of civil war, with the vast majority of its people still suffering under the apartheid regime. But he sought reconciliation, not retribution. And over the next few years, he showed the world how wisdom and tolerance could prevail over racism and brute strength. He negotiated the dismantling of white supremacy and laid the foundations for a new democratic South Africa. He brokered an agreement on universal suffrage and democratic elections and became the country’s first black president in 1994, a year after winning the Nobel Peace Prize for presiding over a peaceful termination of the apartheid regime. Today, nearly two decades later, as he lies in hospital, fighting one last battle.
Indeed he was a towering model of the 20th century who inspired millions across the globe with his struggle for equality. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. We join all those who hope peace for his soul.
When the trial on charges of sabotage was opening from the dock at the Supreme court of South Africa on April 20, 1964, Nelson Mandela delivered a short speech that will be universal in the world.
Nelson Mandela said, I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way.
But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one
only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a
moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that
surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest
only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare
not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.
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