The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) sends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the sad passing of the greatest son of the soil, a great man of honour, former President, Tata Nelson Mandela. This is indeed a greatest loss not only to the immediate Mandela family, but the rest of South Africa and the world, for Tata Mandela touched millions of lives through his good and honourable deeds.
While we must mourn this great loss, we must in the same vein celebrate a life lived purposefully. His presence made the world a better place for many of us, as he continued to touch many lives through his good deeds. We must all take the time to remember what Tata Mandela stood for, his morals and values, his dedication towards the improvement of all our lives. Whatever we do as part of activities to mark and celebrate his life must be befitting of his honour.
As part of mobilizing young South Africans to express their support and heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family and in the spirit of taking forward his legacy, the NYDA will from next week Wednesday invite all young people from across the country to visit any of the NYDA's 14 branches and sign a tribute message to the great former statesman. The national flag with youth messages will then be handed over to the Mandela family as an expression of the youth voice towards the passing away of the revered leader.
Indeed, as in the words of Tata Mandela “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Tata Mandela will forever live in the memories of all people of the world. May his soul rest in peace, we will forever remember him!
