Friday 6 December 2013

REST IN PEACE MADIBA , SOCIAL EQUALITY IS THE ONLY BASIS FOR HUMAN HAPPINESS


The former South African president’s struggle to overturn apartheid was an inspiration to many around the world. lets see his dream on social equality ;
Difficulties break some men but make others.” (From a letter to wife, Winnie Mandela, from Robben Island, February 1975)
He came into a hostile and unforgiving world. Greater evil was visited upon him. He was incarcerated for a generation, 27 years. He lent his shoulders to carry the burden and hopes of his countrymen and humanity in general. What is more, he reigned supreme, conquered fear, inspired the world and left it a better place. 
Mandela was a saint in the sense of a sinner always trying. Above all else he was an icon who will be remembered among the greatest in the 20th century. 

The tributes tell it all; from present and former world leaders, musicians, clerics and sports personalities. Mandela's charm made him dance with kids, crack jokes with Hollywood stars and reprimand the world's most powerful leaders. What Gandhi was to India and Lincoln to America, Mandela was to Suth Africa/Africa and humanity. 

Fare  well Madiba, you left us a richer world thanks to your sacrifice and selflessness. 
Born July 18th 1918, he died at 95 and many will remember him as the man who beat apartheid.

before his death, Nelson Mandela had already become a larger than life figure for his work ending apartheid in South Africa.  But the legend often overshadowed the real Madiba; he was simply a guy who saw inequality in his world and worked to make it right. Looking back at over five decades of his speeches and writings, we find a man who struggled to balance his duty to his family with his fight for his country, his moral drive to do what’s right with his personal pride. While alive, he inspired people through his speeches and letters, particularly those he wrote during his 18-year imprisonment on Robben Island. Here’s a selection of his most inspiring quotes:
If I had my time over I would do the same again, so would any man who dares call himself a man.” (After being convicted to five years hard labor, November 1962)
"I was made, by the law, a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience.” (Statement during trial, 1962)
I can only say that I felt morally obliged to do what I did.”  (At the opening of his trial, April 20, 1964)
Social equality is the only basis of human happiness.”  (A letter written on August 1, 1970)
Difficulties break some men but make others.” (From a letter to wife, Winnie Mandela, from Robben Island, February 1975)
I came to accept that I have no right whatsoever to judge others in terms of my own customs.” (From his unpublished autobiographical manuscript, 1975)
"Great anger and violence can never build a nation. We are striving to proceed in a manner and towards a result, which will ensure that all our people, both black and white, emerge as victors.” (Speech to European Parliament, 1990)
Without democracy there cannot be peace.” (South Africa, May 9, 1992)
We are fighting for a society where people will cease thinking in terms of colour.” (March 8, 1993)
 “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”  (Interview for Mandela, 1994)
"Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.”  (December 16, 1995)

"I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." (From 
Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)
"If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)


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