Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson issued a release to the media on Friday after the passing of South African Leader, Nelson Mandela. In her release she states that Thursday, December 5th 2013 will be remembered as the day the world suffered a great human loss. It also marks the beginning of a period of celebration, great reflection and introspection.
Mandiba, Nelson Mandela, a South African has through the life he lived taught great lessons that transcended geographical and racial lines. Remembered and revered as an Apartheid Hero, he endured much in his struggle for a free South Africa. His incarceration of nearly three decades in one of his country’s toughest prisons, birthed an even greater human as he chose on his release to pursue reconciliation and to foster unity. He was angry but he triumphed over that and employed strategies for peace realizing that he could accomplish much more.
A man of vision and purpose, he understood the importance of remaining focus on the greater cause despite the distractions and the greatest atrocities. He taught through his life the importance of love and forgiveness even for those who attempted to destroy him and break his spirit.
His death reminds us of the great lessons his life has taught and it ought to inspire us to stand firm and fight for the causes that will make our individual countries and world better. As we move forward over the next few weeks trying to capture the man and the message, let us remember to keep his family who has lost him over and over and his South African People in prayer as they mourn this great loss.
A Noble Peace Prize Winner, he became the first democratically elected President of a free South Africa and his humility was shown even more when he elected to serve a sole term and not to clamor for or cling onto power. While Mandela set out only to affect his nation, he ended up inspiring his country and the world.
A great Warrior now given a well – deserved rest! A great human loss, but his spirit and inspiration for the attainment of peace and freedom will forever live on. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
That was the full text from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.
