READER’S POEM: Now that Madiba is gone

A poem by Tembisa resident, Mphikeleli Makhobela.

Now that Madiba is gone,

we plead for political tolerance

and cessation of hostilities

through peaceful means.

We plead for an accountable

and visible leadership

that looks beyond elections.

As the black-pimpernel is gone

we plead for constant community

consultation in governance

to eliminate corruption.

We plead for equal opportunities

of unused human potential

to alleviate unemployment.

Now, that Rolihlahla is no more,

we plead for a crime-free society.

A society is not free, unless

its citizens are secure

in the guise of Christianity

for it plunders our diverse cultures.

Now, that u-dalibhunga is at peace,

we plead for women economic

emancipation, as society benefits from them.

We plead for adult education and skills training programmes,

for a sound education fits a man to perform.

As the icon is no more,

we plead for the opening

of debating forums on reconciliation

to address white fears and

black aspirations.

We plead for more counselling

institutes for victims of domestic violence

as we have run out of tears

Really, Mandela is gone.

We plead for humanitarian aid

for refugees, for the line separating a domestic

from a global one cannot be drawn

in the sand

but all will know when it has

been crossed.