We have lost the living legend that was Nelson Mandela, but not his legacy. The AGSA joins his family and friends, our citizens and the rest of the world in mourning the passing of a great man – and celebrating his memory.
Madiba lived our values to the full. He respected and recognised all the people of South Africa, cherishing the ideal of a free and democratic society and doing everything he could to make this a reality.
He exercised a clear and personal accountability, pointing out that ‘…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’
More than 695 awards and scores of honorary degrees, citizenships and memberships of organisations testify to his pursuit of excellence; he was performance driven in all he did.
He valued and owned both his personal reputation and that of his country; yet he retained a deep humanity that inspired both respect and affection. When one traces his career, it becomes apparent that he appreciated every member of the various teams he led through the years and that he did whatever was within his power to improve their circumstances.
Above all else, he was proud to be South African. His iconic presence added lustre to the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 Soccer World Cup. As South African leader he was also closely involved with the rest of the African continent and worked for its peace and prosperity.
Our country sorrows, but Madiba’s own words make it easier for us to come to terms with the loss of this great man – the father of our nation: Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.
