14 MADIBA
A man for all seasons 1918 - 2013
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The world remembers
President Donald Ramotar signing the Book of Condolence for the late South African President Nelson Mandela at State House (GINA)
P
resident Donald Ramotar: “Nelson Mandela was a giant in defence of human rights and for a free and just society, not only for his beloved South Africans, but for the oppressed the world over. The world is much poorer after his passing for he was one of the most outstand-
ing statesmen of all time.” The struggle Mandela led with other distinguished anti-apartheid fighters has entered into the annals of world history as one of the most defining periods in our world. However, it was not only the struggle but the manner in which it was conducted which will always remain an example and an inspiration for others working for social and economic justice everywhere. He was truly the father of his nation, tirelessly devoting his life to serving the people of South Africa with humility and dignity in leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preserving that hard-won unity and the pride of liberation. Former South African President FW de Klerk: “Nelson Mandela’s biggest legacy was his commitment to reconciliation, was his remarkable lack of bitterness and the way in which he did
not only talk about reconciliation, but he made reconciliation happen in South Africa. He was a remarkable man and South Africa, notwithstanding political differences, stand united today in mourning this great, special man.” South Africa’s Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a leading figure in the struggle against apartheid (pictured on the opposite page in purple): “He was a unifier from the moment he walked out of prison. We are relieved that his suffering is over, but our relief is drowned by our grief.” People’s Progressive Party/Civic: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was “one of the greatest freedom fighters”. “But it was his ability to rise above the political fray, reconcile differences and bring together people from all across the political and ethnic divide that
defined him as a true and genuine statesman. For him, no sacrifices were considered too great in his struggle for a free and dignified society. Not even the suffocating and toxic environment of repressive apartheid rule was enough to silence him or weaken his resolve for an end to the hated system of apartheid rule...He is rightly regarded as the father of a free democratic and modern South Africa.” A Partnership for National Unity: Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality, and learning. “Despite terrible provocation, he chose forgiveness instead of hate. His life has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived, to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation around the world.” Alliance For Change: “A fountain of inspiration to millions across the world,
Nelson Mandela became the ultimate symbol of forgiveness and reconciliation. After quarter of a century imprisoned by the racist “Apartheid” system in South Africa, Mandela walked free choosing to reject hatred, revenge and bitter memories for the sake of unifying South Africa for the benefit of all...These are the quality of a great leader. May we all take from this exemplary life the great lessons of tolerance, engagement, justice, equality, reconciliation and hope. The Alliance For Change extends deepest sympathies to his family and the people of South Africa. Farewell Madiba.” European Union Ambassador Robert Kopecký and British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre: Mandela was a great defender of human rights. His devotion to freedom and democracy, his forgiveness towards his former enemies, and his momentous achievements in bringing peace and reconciliation to his country made him an inspiration throughout the world. Burnham foundation: Mandela was the African leader, who by his ideas and actions has put death to many of the myths perpetuated about African leaders. His ability to reconcile, having been persecuted by the apartheid regime; his decision to retire from public life when his power was not challenged or in question; and his management and fostering of a democratic and transparent society have made humanity and Africans in particular, where ever they are proud and provides the governance paradigm to which all can aspire. The respect Mandela has gained internationally is in large measure due to his courage, clarity of vision, ability to adapt without being opportunist, uncompromising when necessary, concern for the poor, promotion of a South Africa in which all people are treated as equal and enjoy equality of opportunity and his statesman-like leadership when he progressed from political prisoner to president. Caricom Chairman Kamla Persad-Bissessar: “Mr Mandela displayed qualities which defined the zenith of human behaviour. Forgiveness, humility, integrity and undying love for his fellow human beings, particularly for his country and its people were his hallmark. He led a life that which may make emulation almost impossible. His struggles, redemption and victory took us to the zenith of human possibility and left a legacy of inestimable value to the world.” U.S. President Barack Obama: Mandela was a “giant of history”, the last great liberator of the 20th century. “It is hard to eulogise any man… how much harder to do so for a giant of history,
who moved a nation towards justice.” Mandela had taught the world the power of action and the power of ideas, and that it had taken a man like Mandela to free not only the prisoner but also the jailer.: “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. While I will always fall short of Madiba (Mandela’s clan name), he makes me want to be a better man.” ANC deputy leader Cyril Ramaphosa: Mandela’s “long walk is over… and he can finally rest”. Current South African President Jacob Zuma: Mandela was “one of a kind… a fearless freedom fighter who refused to allow the brutality of the apartheid state to stand in the way of the struggle for the liberation of his people”. Cuban President Raul Castro: Mandela was the “ultimate symbol of dignity and the revolutionary struggle”. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: There was “sorrow for a mighty loss and celebration of a mighty life”. “South Africa has lost a hero, it has lost a father… He was one of our greatest teachers. He taught by example. He sacrificed so much and was willing to give up all he had for freedom and democracy.” Friend and fellow Robben Island inmate Andrew Mlangeni: Mandela had “created hope when there was none”. Shahida Rowe from Johannesburg: “The core of Mandela’s life was humanity. That is why I am here today and the world is celebrating. Thanks to him, I was recognised as a human being.” Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed in Nevada: With Mandela’s death, the world had lost someone unique and brave, whose vision of humanity embraced all peoples and set a milestone for the world with his efforts in pluralism, common ground, equality, colourblindness, and coexistence. “Mandela, who symbolised the victory of the human spirit, made huge contributions towards creation of a just society and pursuance of social justice.” Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General José Graziano da Silva: “We have lost one of the world’s passionate defenders of the right to food. As a true champion of human rights, Nelson Mandela understood that the hunger of millions of people was unjust and unsustainable.” Pastor Gerrit Strydom of the Dutch Reformed Church: "After all the years we had him in prison, he could have turned around and made South Africa a bad place for our people. But Nelson Mandela was the one guy who brought people together.”