Nelson Mandela passed away surrounded by his family on December 5th. He was aged 95. This is my farewell to undoubtedly the most inspirational man I have had the pleasure of walking this earth with. I was born in South Africa in 1967. Racial segregation was my norm and I grew up attending whites-only schools and swimming pools, riding on whites-only busses and living in whites-only areas. This was not a choice but I have to admit, this way of life was my "norm". Long before Nelson Mandela was released from Robben Island and the ANC was unbanned, I witnessed the changes taking place in the South Africa, the slow but sure transfer of certain "rights" to those of non-European ethnicity. Finally, I was privileged enough to witness the release of Nelson Mandela and the transition of my wonderful country into a democracy.
More than anything else, I respect and admire the man who emerged from 27 years in captivity to denounce violence. I remember the uncertainty and fear felt by many of the "white minority" during the lead up to the first democratic election in South Africa. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Mandela for orchestrating the peaceful transition of South Africa into a democracy, for preaching forgiveness, for your humility, your intelligence and your compassion.
Rest in peace you wonderful man - I have no doubt that your work on earth surpassed even the expectations of the angels.
"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
Such a poignant post. So sad, but how wonderful is his legacy.
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