The Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Honourable Lydia Johnson, on behalf of Members and staff of the institution pays tribute to the former South African statesman, founding father of our democracy and world icon, Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela who passed away on the 5 December 2013.
The legislature expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family, the Madiba Clan and the African National Congress (ANC) - the movement he served with dignity and humility.
In honouring Madiba the KZN Legislature dedicated its final sitting of the year on 6 December to recognising his life-long contribution to the liberation of the people of South Africa
All political parties were unanimous in praising the legend of Madiba.
Johnson said: “The passing on of uTata Mandela should re-commit us into doing even more to serve humanity especially the most vulnerable sectors of our society. As legislators, we will always be guided by his wisdom that he so well articulated when he addressed the National Assembly in 1999, where he said:
‘It is in the legislatures that the instruments have been fashioned to create a better life for all. It is here that oversight of government has been exercised. It is here that our society with all its formations has had an opportunity to influence policy and its implementation.’
In honour of Madiba, Johnson urged all political parties represented in the KZN Legislature and the people of South Africa to sustain Madiba’s legacy of reconciliation, peace and nation building.
“It is through such conducts that we will honour and celebrate his life and show the world that as we are about to celebrate the 20 years of our freedom, our democracy has matured with age,” said Johnson.
His legacy will live forever for more generations to come. Long live his spirit. May his soul rest in peace.
