AT EXACTLY 10 minutes to midnight on Thursday December 5, 2013, a Zambian friend based in South Africa sent me a text via WhatsApp with the news that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the former South African president whose stubborn defiance survived 27 years in prison and led to the dismantling of the country's racist and brutal apartheid system had succumbed to death.
Though I was already in bed and about to fall asleep, I quickly got up and began to follow the breaking news both on television and the Internet. And almost every news channel, website and blog had the news of Mandela's death.
Thursday night turned out to be one of those rare moments when, with a dramatic pause, the world mourns the death of a brilliant human being. It was one of those moments you never forget where you were when you first heard the news.
One of the giants of the 20th century, Mandela's career was marked not only by his heroic resistance to racism, but also by his poised and soft-spoken demeanor.
Mandela is no doubt among the greatest people in the 20th century to have fought for justice and peace.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his leadership in ending apartheid without violence, and later became a global statesman who inspired millions of people around the world.
The death of Nelson Mandela may be the most significant one to occur in our lifetime. We know that a world without him can only hope to be as good as a world with Mandela in it.
With the death of Mandela, Africa has lost one of its few decent leaders. With the passing of Mandela, the world has lost a leader who advanced the cause of equality and human rights, who overcame a history of oppression in South Africa to expand the reach of freedom worldwide.
Mandela was many things to different people: a boxer, a student, a leader, a husband, a father, a social icon, a man who helped to heal a nation.
Mandela has inspired all of us with his leadership and his humility. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched by his example. We mourn his passing and pause in gratitude; privileged by the mark he has left on our lives.
He touched the world with his integrity, his resolve and his passion for reconciliation. His passion to do good was infectious.
May we continue to be a teacher for generations to come. His legacy will be unforgettable. The world has lost a great part of its morality and conscious with his passing away.
May the life of Nelson Mandela long stand as the ultimate tribute to the triumph of hope. May his story long remind us to always look forward with optimism to the future. May it be a comfort to his family, to his friends and loved ones, to the people of South Africa that so many mourn the loss of this extraordinary man and incredible leader at this sad time.
May we all mourn this loss, and try to live up to his example, how to fight for our beliefs and lead a life of dignity.
Mandela brought a message for all of us. May we continue to learn from his legacy for all of humanity .
I personally count it a blessing to have lived in the same time with this global icon. A true hero like this doesn't come along quite too often.
Mandela is among the few who can claim to have left the world a better place than he found it.
To the Great Madiba we say, Hamba Kahle Tata! You fought a good fight from the beginning to the end. And if ever there was a human that deserved to rest in Heavenly peace, it is you Tata Madiba.
Thank you, Tata Mandela. May your spirit live on in the hope and actions of many who have learned from you. May your servitude, dedication, integrity live forever. May your dreams for a better and all-inclusive South Africa come true for all its people whether black, white, brown or yellow.
Yes, Nelson Madiba Mandela is no longer walking among us, but the Long Walk To Freedom will and must continue.
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” ~ Nelson Mandela 1996
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