It is indeed a sad day for the peace-loving people of the world as it dawns upon everyone that uMadiba Omde is now walking the plane of the spirits.
This is not so much so because we all wanted him to be immortal but because we dread the place the world shall become in his absence. True, he might not have done an awful lot of things as south African president but as South Africa's first president of a democratic dispensation, Mandela epitomised the idea of a perfect servant.
Many have wept and wept. Others wailing and crying. The news of his death came not as surprise because we all knew how ill he had become and we had expected to receive such inconceivable news but his departure from us leaves us uncertain if the future he designed shall remain intact. Indeed, Mandela was a great men. His name shall be mentioned along the names of H.I.M Haile Selassie I of Ithiopia, and his legend forever engraved in the memory of history for many futures to come. None deserves a seat in the pantheon of the gods, next to H.I.M Selassie I, than this giant of a man.
As we celebrate his life though, we we are reminded of our own shortcomings; our own errors; and our own President, Mr Jacob Zuma. It was sad how the crowd booed him during his address. Not so much because he was being booed, really, but because it was done at Tata Mandela's final moment in the limelight. Many viewed it as disrespectful to Madiba but I suspect the perpetrators sought to show our president and who and what he is, whatever that may be.
Madiba's teachings transformed our nation and continent- not to mention the lands afar. The question in earnest should be: Is the death of Mandela a symbol of life and hope, as his life was? This is so we can reflect with greater purpose upon his works and teachings.
On the other hand, I pray that President Zuma took a good look at himself after that whole boo-boy show, for it should remind him that even in grief, people do remember the things which hurt them the most. I am not justifying the actions of the crowd but I am merely pointing out that people have had plenty exchanges and dialogue with either Zuma himself or his government to no avail, choosing an international platform would have been the next logic and Madiba's memorial happened to be that opportunity.
Our government can still do better and it must be reminded of this fact.
In the streets, Mandela is immortal. His name is mentioned with awe and wonder. His teachings revered by millions and his leadership emulated by those who have the will. He will forever be remembered as the Redeemer of the oppressed. The Savior of the downtrodden. The Chief of all peace-makers.
Many - within their rights - claim he is the "sell-out", many say he betrayed the Freedom Charter with others saying "He failed the African populace". But wait, what are the masses of the people saying of this man? Even if he is all of what many have called him, but the fact of the matter is that he did good where he did good and the onus would have been for those who observe all his wrongdoings to rectify and correct his errors. But none dare come forth.
I am an Afrikan and to be one when Mandela was alive was a true pleasure.
Long Live Madiba! Long Live Madiba.
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