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MY STATEMENT ABOUT NELSON MANDELA

 The passing of Nelson Mandela represents the passing of both an era, a consciousness, and a societal epoch. As an era, he represents a generation that refused to be subjugated by another. In his era, the call has always been that humanity was created equal in the eyes of God and humanity should live thus.

As a consciousness, he represents the rise of the Africanist thought encapsulated within a Nationalist discourse and misunderstood to be accommodative of liberalism. It is his generation that taught many that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and that no authority shall claim legitimacy unless it is based on the will of the people. This consciousness defines South Africa and the world as we know them today.

As an epoch, he represents the rise of the human spirit beyond earthly standards. He epitomized the ultimate of forgiveness whilst not compromising the ultimate of freedoms.

As we mourn him let us be conscious of what he and his generation stood for. His soul will not only rest in peace but it will variously battle for space in our troubled peace as represented by corruption, greed, and crass materialism.

Tata, let your spirit find resonance in our quest to restore in South Africa and its coalitions the values of your generation as we rightfully create our own.

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