Throughout the ages, human beings have been blessed with the emergence of outstanding leaders, but none has been more eminent and distinguished than Nelson Mandela.
There is no doubt his death on December 5, 2013 has left a moral void that cannot be easily filled. But, although we mourn his death, we should also celebrate his 95 years on this planet.
This remarkable South African icon is indeed the personification of freedom, peace, social justice, struggle, and unparalleled courage. We must not forget that Mandela endured unbelievable persecution, excruciating physical pain, and relentless mental torture during his long struggle for peace, freedom and social justice.
It is indeed noteworthy that this inspirational leader could have enjoyed a comparatively robust life as a distinguished lawyer. On the contrary, in his burning desire to free his compatriots from the tyranny of the white racist South African regime, Nelson Mandela advocated, organised and led the charge against the dehumanising and immoral policy of Apartheid.
Mandela's 27 years behind bars were not spent in self-pity, remorse or regrets, but that time was spent in deep reflection and unbelievable optimism. His firm belief in the power of social justice sustained him throughout those dark days.
Although he was brutally treated at the hands of a Hitlerite racist South African regime, at no time did Mandela seek revenge. He did not seek to get even when he finally became leader of the South African nation. He did not harbour bitterness in his heart. Instead, he stretched forth his hand in friendship to the same people who reviled and incarcerated him. He reached out in a magnanimous spirit of reconciliation and healing. It can be said that his Truth and Reconciliation Commission of 1995 has become a template for all world leaders to copy.
Let us not forget that the main purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was to implore and urge people to live together in harmony.
This act of forgiveness and reconciliation is truly a mark of greatness that has set Mandela apart from other world leaders. May his soul rest in peace.
Rupert Johnson
Toronto, Canada
r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca
Mandela -- man of unparalleled courage
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There is no doubt his death on December 5, 2013 has left a moral void that cannot be easily filled. But, although we mourn his death, we should also celebrate his 95 years on this planet.
This remarkable South African icon is indeed the personification of freedom, peace, social justice, struggle, and unparalleled courage. We must not forget that Mandela endured unbelievable persecution, excruciating physical pain, and relentless mental torture during his long struggle for peace, freedom and social justice.
It is indeed noteworthy that this inspirational leader could have enjoyed a comparatively robust life as a distinguished lawyer. On the contrary, in his burning desire to free his compatriots from the tyranny of the white racist South African regime, Nelson Mandela advocated, organised and led the charge against the dehumanising and immoral policy of Apartheid.
Mandela's 27 years behind bars were not spent in self-pity, remorse or regrets, but that time was spent in deep reflection and unbelievable optimism. His firm belief in the power of social justice sustained him throughout those dark days.
Although he was brutally treated at the hands of a Hitlerite racist South African regime, at no time did Mandela seek revenge. He did not seek to get even when he finally became leader of the South African nation. He did not harbour bitterness in his heart. Instead, he stretched forth his hand in friendship to the same people who reviled and incarcerated him. He reached out in a magnanimous spirit of reconciliation and healing. It can be said that his Truth and Reconciliation Commission of 1995 has become a template for all world leaders to copy.
Let us not forget that the main purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was to implore and urge people to live together in harmony.
This act of forgiveness and reconciliation is truly a mark of greatness that has set Mandela apart from other world leaders. May his soul rest in peace.
Rupert Johnson
Toronto, Canada
r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca
Mandela -- man of unparalleled courage
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