Farewell comrade, we won’t forget you

It is important to remember that the life of comrade Nelson Mandela was well lived and dedicated to the service of his people, Africa and the world.
He was not only admired in his own country but by the entire world. We have seen this in the testimonies of world leaders, most of whom, had personally known Madiba. There is no doubt that he deserved to be the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, due to his reconciliatory stature. This is what made him a unique and world renowned leader.
He was a product and maker of history who was shaped by the ANC as much as he shaped the organisation, embodying the heroic struggles of the people of South Africa. His stance on fighting apartheid was never shaken. Madiba was prepared to pay the ultimate price which was death, in order to ensure that Apartheid was abolished and Africans were able to exercise their suffrage. During his Rivonia Trial in 1964 he said “It is an ideal which I hope to live and achieve but my Lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Amazingly, his ideal was realised.
Comrade Madiba has left an indelible mark on humanity, ours now is to pick up the baton and continue where he left off.

SILINDILE NGCOBO
Regional Spokesperson
ANC Greater KwaDukuza Region