Hon Speaker,
Hon Deputy Speaker,
Hon Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces,
Hon Ministers,
Hon members,
Distinguished guests,
Comrades and compatriots
Today we have come to celebrate the life of the most famous icon of our time but, most importantly, of a man, a husband, a father and a grandfather who we love and cherish very profoundly.
We are saddened by his passing away as we have lost a great statesman. Nelson Mandela was one of a kind, a rare find, a wonderful man and an exceptional person. He was full of wisdom, was warm-hearted and had a deep sense humorous. His life was dedicated to the greater heights in deed.
On this occasion of the Joint Sitting of Parliament we celebrate the 95 years that President Mandela has given in his life to building a better South Africa and a better world. He directly and indirectly, consciously and unconsciously involved himself in all forms of struggles of communities in South Africa and throughout the world.
We drew inspiration, courage and selflessness from him. He taught us how to build a proud, caring and inclusive society, based on the values of Ubuntu, democracy, humility, equality, selflessness and dignity for all.
President Mandela still remains and will always be an inspiration to all of us; inspiring us to work even harder towards the goal of one nation, one people; united in our diversity.
Let me quote his message to the World Social Forum in Mumbai in 2004, President Nelson Mandela remarked that, “We owe a huge debt to future generations in the form of a better world. It has to be a better world - one in which the rights of every individual are respected, one that builds on the past aspirations for a good life, and one that enables every individual to optimally develop their potential”.
President Mandela has never wavered in his devotion to democracy and equality all his life. Despite terrible provocation, he has never answered racism with racism, or hatred with hatred. His life has been an inspiration to all of us in South Africa and throughout the world.
Apartheid was the epitome of social injustice. As an attorney practising in Johannesburg, he placed himself at the disposal of the disadvantaged people who were suffering from the injustices of apartheid.
President Mandela together with his comrades marched in the frontline as the ANC was embarking on new forms of struggle, from the Mass Action of the Defiance Campaign against Unjust Laws, the drafting of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in 1955, the Treason Trial which began in 1956, to the formation of uMkhonto weSizwe in 1961.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for leading a struggle against the inhumane apartheid system. His resilience and integrity during this difficult period inspired millions of oppressed people and peace-loving democrats all over the world.
He has made the world a better place. Let us emulate his confidence, humility, determination, strength and vision. Today we honour this extraordinary being, a sage of our age whose life represents the triumph of human will for justice, equality, democracy and progress.
Are we ready as individuals and as a nation to follow on his footsteps?
Our actions should be motivated by the vision that drove his life, a life dedicated to social transformation.
History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation.
South Africa has progressed from the dark days of apartheid and oppression into the light of democracy and development because of Mandela’s astounding personality and remarkable leadership he displayed.
We must never forget the wonderful foundation he has built for a true democratic South Africa. Through him we got rid of colonialism, slavery, and notorious apartheid.
Therefore, we owe it to him to celebrate him in ways that replicate his courage, his humility, his intellect, his willingness to sacrifice, his capacity to forgive and his wisdom in acknowledging the humanity of others.
Let us this afternoon re-dedicate ourselves to making this country of ours the caring and decent society to which this great South African dedicated his entire life and for which he sacrificed so much.
Thank you Dlomo, Yem-yem for your dedication and commitment for the cause of freedom and human dignity. We salute you Madiba. We love and cherish you and we shall remain forever grateful to you.
I thank you!
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Provincial Head of Communication &Spokesperson-Office of the Premier(North West province)
North West Provincial Government
Tel: +27 18 388 3705
Mobile: 083 629 1987
E-mail: Lkgwele@gmail.com
