Most of my generation remember where they were when Mandela made that awaited long walk to freedom when he was released from prison. I certainly remember as a very young boy seeing my late mother dancing in front of our TV set raising her fist singing viva Mandela. In the nineties, most families in Africa named their children after Mandela and my family was caught up in this name excitement. I have a younger sister called Winny Mandela! She will be 20 in Christmas!
In Africa, we believe in Living dead and those who are departed are revered in the community and actually respected. Communities are always obliged to make sure that the departed vision and legacy lives' on. And this is why Mandela more than ever will continue inspiring and changing lives.
Africa politicians will be on the limelight and this time round, they will not just use quotes like
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
They will also strive to make these sayings a reality to masses they claim to lead.
Ethnicity is going to be a gone-case; just like Mandela when he was released from prison, he became president for all South Africans. He is known for treating people equally irrespective of their tribes, colour or race. He was voice of equality. Politicians, Mandela is watching.
Those who plan to cling to power for long are not lucky. There conscious will remind them of the wishes of the living dead and on this case, Madiba will be watching. If Mandela was selfish and power hungry, he would have died in the office as president of South Africa. But this guy only served one term and handed over to Mbeki. He is quoted saying,
I must step down while there are one or two people who admire me.
Politicians, Mandela is watching.
Nelson Mandela made South Africa become the first country in the world to include constitutional protection for same-gender-loving persons. Soon after he took office, he met with lesbian and gay groups; he knew how it felt to be excluded. Was Mandela an African? And did he accept and respect homosexuality?
Mandela ruled South Africa as a president for 5 years. During his presidency, there was widespread respect for the rule of law and there were no any reports of political assassinations or revenge against those who imprisoned him. Mandela took power when majority of black South Africans were living in abject poverty but situation would have been worse if it wasn't for the inclusive spirit of his presidency and his moral authority. He even embraced a report by truth commission that criticized his authority and equated A.N.C and apartheid. Politicians, how many of you take criticism politely?
Nelson Mandela always stood for peace. He denounced war against Iraq and he is quoted saying war in Irag would be devastating not just to Iraq but also to the whole of the middle East and to other countries of the world. Majority of Africa's leaders have sent their condolences to Mandela's family and people of South Africa. Mandela will be very happy if we all embrace and promote peace in our countries. Mandela once said,
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.