Remembering Madiba

“Madiba wielded immense power, of both the persuasive and the political kind, but never abused it for personal gain. The adulation showered on him by the world neither inflated his ego nor tarnished his humility. When his principles were challenged he defended them robustly and with stubborn vigour, but always in a manner constrained by courtesy and respect for his adversaries. As the needle of our country’s moral compass nowadays wobbles dangerously in the corridors of power, we mourn the loss of the candour, the integrity, the sincerity, the trust and the utter selflessness that were the hallmarks of Madiba’s leadership.” Businessman close to Madiba, Jacques Sellschop, from Marina Beach.

“I am grateful to be one among millions whose life he personally touched in so many ways. He had prodded many of us to become ‘relentless agents of peace’. Where there was fear and uncertainty, Madiba took charge and demonstrated leadership. He brought forth hope, yet preached no sermon, he just taught us how to live it, he attended few workshops but got on with the job, with his graceful silence. His actions were visible and his loyalty to the ANC and its ideals were evident in every ounce of his being yet he belonged not to those who think they own him but he owns all of us who believe that a ‘better life is possible’ and to that end we must work unceasingly for the sake of all humanity, beyond our colour, creed or religion.” Reverend Danny Chetty, director of Practical Ministries, who personally met with Madiba on many occasions.

“A true revolutionary whose dedication to the fight against injustice, against poverty, racism and all social ills gave rise to the birth of a new South Africa, one that is non-racial and non-sexist. A South Africa that recognises and accords equal rights to all its citizens. Madiba was indeed a great leader who taught us many good lessons in leadership. One of the most important lessons that the great Madiba taught us as the ANC was that in order to lead, it is of paramount importance to serve. That a true leader should always lead by example, by being decisive but humble.That whatever you do and say as a leader you need to put the people first. Like the rest of the world, we mourn because you are no longer with us. But on the other hand, we take solace in the knowledge that you are now resting after having laid a firm foundation for a better and prosperous South African society.” ANC’s Lower South Coast Region.

“Madiba represented the values of humanity, forgiveness, reconciliation, justice and triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His leadership demonstrated not only to South Africans, but to the entire world just what is possible when all of us hold and cherish the same ideals. Our country has certainly lost an icon and a true frontrunner by his departure, but his life is an invaluable lesson which all of us and our generations to come should forever emulate and cherish.” Hibiscus Coast Municipality mayor Nomusa Mqwebu.

“Whilst we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate his life and his legacy to this country and the world. He was, and remains, a giant among giants. A global icon, a champion of peace and reconciliation, and our nation’s hero. What many South Coasters don’t know is that when Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk received the Nobel Peace prize, Mandela chose three organisations to receive a portion of his prize. One of them was Practical Ministries, a church-based human rights organisation based in Port Shepstone where I worked. My department, the Children’s Desk, was recognised for its work. He always looked for the good in people, and had an amazing ability to bring that out in some of the most difficult of personalities he encountered during his leadership. It was an honour to meet and serve under such a great leader. He will continue to inspire me and millions of others. Let us honour him by remaining true to the values of non-racialism, democracy, and peace here and abroad.” Selvan Chetty, International Human Rights Activist, and Deputy Director of Solidarity Peace Trust.

“May his memories help the family and the international community to find peace in their hearts. As the Talmud saying goes; Man is born with his hands clenched, but his are open in death, because on his entering the world he desires to grasp everything, but on leaving, he takes nothing away. Tata came to this world with nothing as a young rural boy from Qunu and grasped the world’s attention towards unity and peace. On his departure he takes nothing, but leaves behind heartfelt memories of a great being that we can refer to as a wonder of the world.” Ugu District Municipality.

“We all belong to the South African family – and we owe that sense of belonging to Madiba. That is his legacy. It is why there is an unparalleled outpouring of national grief at his passing. It is commensurate with the contribution he made to our country. Through his humility, moral conviction and bold leadership, Madiba gave us a gift for which we, and successive generations will be forever grateful. He gave us his vision of a free and inclusive South Africa and the unwavering belief that such a society could be achieved in his lifetime. He was, quite simply, the greatest South African that ever lived. We shall never see his like again.” Democratic Alliance.
“So in this time of sadness, I remember not the world hero, but the young man who took the initiative and risk to start creating a different path towards a more just country. And within our deep sadness, we can each be inspired to follow his example. We can educate ourselves. We can fight for justice. We can fight laws we believe are unjust and leaders we believe are corrupt. We can stand up for those in need. We can give children the tool of knowledge.” Director, Angela Larkan, of Thanda in Hibberdene.