Wow I've been so busy working, I didn't even realise, seems like yesterday (or more accurately last year) I posted my happy birthday thread to Madiba...
Well what can I say that hasn't been said about him already.
I am a South African, born and raised in Mandelas South Africa, I feel a great sense of pride at the recognition of his achievements, and the worldwide celebration of his continuing life.
It is my firm belief that had this extra-ordinary human being not been placed on this planet, I very well may not be here today. It was his, and De-Klerks courage, strength, integrity and lets face it, clever political Maneuvering that brought an end to an extra-ordinary human disaster, that lasted too long. And averted a devestating civil war.
All this we owe to him, not just as individuals but as a nation.
Does South Africa still face many challenges? Of course. Crime, AIDS, poverty and many more. But it is far better to face these challenges in freedom then oppression.
"I have dedicated my life, to this struggle of the African people, I have cherished the ideals of a democratic and free society, in which all peoples, black and white, can live together in harmony and with equal oppertunity. It is an ideal, for which I hope to live for and to achieve, but if needs be my lord, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die" - Nelson Mandela at his trial in 1964
"Never! Never! And Never Again! Shall it be! That this beautiful land will again experience the oppression, of one by another. And suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. Let freedom reign." - Inaugurual speech, Pretoria 1994.
N'kosi Sekeli Afrika
God bless Africa
So say we all.