Sir, Memorial service of Nelson Mandela – a tribute Just a few words to honour the late Nelson Mandela and to sympathise with the family: Nelson Mandela was a very remarkable person, and more international attention is focused on him than any other person in the world ever. The one and only reason is because after 27 years in jail he said: “Let us forgive.” I want to say a few words on Mandela about education: When asked about his most important message for young people, he said they must study hard. When asked about his message for leaders around the world he said simply, they must focus on education. He also said make every home, every shack or rickety structure a centre for learning. His contribution did not end there. To this day, Madiba remains probably the single most admired, most respected international figure in the entire world. He continues to inspire millions of people and several generations throughout the globe, by continuing to fight for reconciliation before recrimination, healing before bitterness, peace before conflict; by fighting for health, for education, for the right of every child to have a better start in life; by fighting against the destruction wrought by HIV/Aids; by spelling out the right and duty of not only South Africans, but of all Africa to take charge of its own future and fate. He stood very strongly for forgiveness and love. I want to ask you: if you have a bit of hate in your heart today, replace it with love. If you have a bit of revenge in your heart, replace it with forgiveness. If every one of us forgives only one person now, more than 500 people will experience forgiveness today. May his soul rest in peace. Dr Tinus Neethling – Sarel Cilliers High School (read out to Matric exam markers at the school on Sunday)
