"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised. But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Nelson Mandela, defence statement during the Rivonia Trial, 1964. Also repeated during the closing of his speech delivered in Cape Town on the day he was released from prison 27 years later, on 11 February 1990.
I have no wise words to describe how I feel having heard the sad news tonight. I was there, 20 years old when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. I felt a real sense of optimism about our country and it was a proud day when he became president in 1994.
I can only hope and pray that this incredible man's ideals will remain strong in the hearts of all South Africans as we bow our heads in respect to him.
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika
Sad news.
ReplyDeleteA Great Man.
RIP.
x
What an incredible legacy he leaves behind.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute you have honoured him x
I shuddered when I heard the news tonight. Thank you for this tribute. xx
ReplyDeleteDear One,
ReplyDeleteHis death is such a loss for this world, truly. I cannot begin to say that I understand your loss..you having lived in that beautiful country...your country as it was and is for so many. What a beautiful light he was, and may it shine on and on forever, and may your heart be eased. E.
He was a good man, I was upset when I heard.Thanks for blogging this story x
ReplyDeletePenny much the same for me. I was also there and it was a proud moment for many South Africans. He will live on for the rest if time and I know for one that he's made me proud to be South African!! Where did you live ?? Xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly amazing man he was, I have such respect for the way he lived his life. The world would be a much gentler world if we had a few more leaders like him xxx
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of him. I remember that day vividly and remember looking up at the sky on the day he flew into the airport near my home and wondering what the future would hold. It felt like a new day. I remember the moment he walked out on the the stadium at the World Cup and the sense of excitement we all felt watching that moment and many others moments. I only hope that those who are supposed to be following his dream and legacy do not squander what he achieved. They need to raise their standards, they need to honour him in deed.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to an incredible man. His words and actions will live on and on. He will be missed by the entire world.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Lovely, Penny. And I endorse everything you have written. A truly great man. I hope his legacy is indeed a lasting one.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. xo
ReplyDeleteThere are hearts that, when they stop, a great light goes out in the world. His was one. x
ReplyDeleteHe was a great, great man. I didn't realise how much I thought that until I learned of his death and was surprised by how upset I was. You and my other South African friends have been in my thoughts. x
ReplyDelete