Tribute Message to Nelson Mandela – by Neil Diamond, ANC Member
It is truly an honour and a privilege to join the world in paying tribute to a man who exemplifies the best qualities attainable by humanity.
On the evening of December 5 the world lost one of the greatest leaders of our time – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. I recall the words of Tata Madiba; “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Madiba closed his eyes so that the world could open theirs.
It is truly an honour and a privilege to join the world in paying tribute to a man who exemplifies the best qualities attainable by humanity. We know all South Africans and indeed the world join us in this profound sense of loss and sadness on the death of South Africa’s most beloved son and the father of our nation.
Madiba was a man respected, admired, loved by people across the world as a moral compass and role model for what every human should aspire for. I heard the words of President Barak Obama echo in FNB Stadium at the official memorial I attended, “The life of Nelson Mandela makes me want to be a better man”, Obama said.
Nelson Mandela was a global statesman who rose above hate and vengeance to embrace peace and reconciliation, a man whose courage, wisdom, visionary leadership and almost unhuman–like capacity to forgive continue to inspire people in both South Africa and the whole world. He has redefined the concept of leadership.
He has proved through his own example that faith, hope and charity are qualities not beyond the attainment by humanity. Because of him, the world is a better place. Because of him, the world is working to be a kinder place.
It is indeed a sad and mournful day as we, the people of South Africa, join hands with the globe in mourning the passing of the father of our nation. Let us stand together now and in the days ahead, and do what needs to be done to honour Tata Madiba.
Our farewell bid to Nelson Mandela must not be final – we must refuse to say goodbye to his example, his ideals, and the dream we share with him, for it is in this that his memory will live for eternity, it is in the values he stood for, that our nation will rise above the rest, it is in this sad time that the world will unite in memory of Madiba. We are a nation united in solidarity through our great loss.
South Africa gave birth to a man who defied the odds, who stood for equality, who dreamed of a nation living in peace and harmony, today you may have passed, but you will live in our hearts forever. The legacy of Nelson Mandela will always remain in the heart, mind and soul of every South African.
The world has lost a great man and an incredible human being. What a sad day this is indeed! A great leader is one that takes people to where they have never been before – and that was Nelson Mandela. Let us never forget the words of Tata Madiba; “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” Rest in Peace Tata! Hamba Kahle Nelson Mandela! Lala Ngoxolo Madiba.
EMM ANC councillor, Neil Diamond
