A pall hangs over Parliament today and real pain chills all who work in its precinct. It is a pain we share with millions of people throughout our land, our continent Africa and beyond.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Madiba, the first President of our democratic South Africa, husband, father, comrade, beacon of hope in an all too cynical and individualistic world has died.
He lived through nine eventful decades, during which he dedicated himself to working for a South Africa where all could be free and also for a better world.
Following his release from prison in February 1990, in his first address to the clamouring crowd gathered around Cape Town’s City Hall and broadcast worldwide Madiba promised that he would place the remaining years of his life in the hands of the people. It was a promise that he fulfilled in a myriad ways.
It is a promise, to which we, the elected representatives of the people, must recommit ourselves, if our mourning today is not to be reduced to mere maudlin.
As Madiba, himself, pointed out on 26 March 1999, in his address to the last sitting of the first democratically elected Parliament: “It is in the legislatures that the instruments have been established to create the conditions for a better life for all. It is here that oversight of government has been exercised. It is here that our society, in all its formations, has had an opportunity to influence policy and its implementation.”
It was in the legislature that the laws to enact the constitution were passed. These were not just mere adjustments to an existing body of law. The laws passed had created a framework for the revolutionary transformation of our society and of government itself, so that the legacy of our past could be undone and put right.
“It was here.” Madiba told Parliament, “that the possibility was created of improving the lives and working conditions of millions. It is a record in which we can take pride.”
As the country’s legislature, we must commit ourselves – the majority party together with other parties represented here - to doing more together to bring about an equitable society where freedom is truly felt in all aspects of life by all our people.
Madiba’s life as a being living among us has ended. But there is no one more alive than Madiba. He lives on in our commitment to entrenching a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic society in which all live a decent life, free of hunger and want. And let us continue to strive for a society where, in the words of Madiba, during his first address to Parliament in 1994, “…each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves”.
As we mourn Madiba’s death, let us spend this time reflecting on what he meant for us and remember again, what he inspired us to strive to become – humane human beings who believe in goodness and cherish that faith in human beings, as a cornerstone of our democracy.
To our great hero, the icon of humility, selflessness and forgiveness, the world’s very symbol of humanity, to you Madiba we say, go well dear father, comrade and friend. May your soul rest in peace.
To Madiba’s wife uMam’ uGraca, family and friends we wish you strength and offer our heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time.
We will soon be having a special joint sitting of both Houses to reflect on the life and legacy of Madiba. A book of condolences will also be opened for messages of support by Members of Parliament and the public. Further announcements on the plans will be made in due course.
Parliament will also be joining with the African National Congress – Madiba’s lifelong political home – and other branches of government in activities and ceremonies to mark Madiba’s passing and to honour his life.
