Mandela - still a source of strength

As a leader, Nelson Mandela had the ability of bringing out the best in people - of harnessing a person's strength. In death, he is no different.

On December 5, 2013, George Bizos and I were invited to speak at the iKwezi Institute's Mandela Colloquium in Sandton.

For me, the experience was a difficult one.

Little did the crowd know that our address was probably the last public event held in Madiba's honour, during his lifetime.

I had already received a message that my elder brother and long-time comrade would not make the night.

During the programme interval, I kept glancing at my phone, awaiting the final, traumatic message that I knew, would inevitably come.

At times, during the discussion, a sorrowful lump would rise in my throat. Here I was, speaking about a man as he breathed his last - a man who for six decades was my pillar of strength.

For millions in South Africa and around the world, Madiba epitomised integrity, foresight, non-racialism and equality. Our leader symbolised the strength of the nation - strength in the belief that freedom would come.

Therefore, during his dying moments, I would honour that legacy. I would steel myself, up until I could have a private moment later that evening, when I would surrender to the emotions of the moment: sadness, mingled with pride.

On the eve of his death, I spoke of Madiba as if he was well and alive. When I saw the unity and the outpouring of condolences over the next week, I realised that Mandela - the symbol, would never die. His legacy, his qualities of courage, tolerance, patience and strength, will live on.

One year on, I address this to you, Madala: Every day that now separates us, I am ever more aware of the duty that you have placed on my shoulders, on the conscience of all freedom loving people across the globe.

I reiterate what I wrote last year this time: In death, you continue to challenge people from every strata, religion, and position to think about how their own actions do and can change the world for better or worse. We hope that the challenge will always be met with commitment, humility and integrity.

The values that you and your colleagues aspired to, still remain a challenge for us to obtain. The scourge of corruption, the quality of education, the degree of poverty and inequality that this county faces, requires that those who seek to honour you, do more than simply offer platitudes. Our words must match our deeds.

I am sure that you would not want extravagant praises. You would want a rededication to that which we fought for, and that which we still need to attain.

* This write up first appeared in the ‘Saturday Star'.

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