Nelson R. Mandela 1918 ~ 2013
NELSON MANDELA TRIBUTE
By Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former President, Republic of Zambia I met him in his train, white train across River Zambezi, we were there for three nights. I was saying to him, Prime Minister (Voster), please release Nelson Mandel and his collegues. Come together, begin meeting, talking about the future of South Africa, build a new South Africa together. For three nights, I came to nothing. Then came another Boer leader, (mourners burst into laughter) I think he was called Botha. Same train, this time between Botswana and South Africa. I said look, release Nelson Mandela and all his collegues. discuss the future of South Africa together, you are all members of this country, talk together. I didn’t succeed,
I didn’t succeed. Twelve hours come to nothing. Then came my meeting with De Klerk. He was not Prime Minister yet. He was only Secretary General of the “Boer” party (mourners burst into laughter again). And after a few hours, I called a press conference and I said, I think I can do business with this man. (crowd claps) Thank God. He became Prime Minister and he released this great man whose life the whole world, not just you South Africa, but the whole world is celebrating. He released him, he released him. Who is Nelson Mandela? Who is he? How do I see him? This man is blessed child of Lord God almighty. He followed
Black Business News International Edition -6- Fall 2013