On Thursday 5th, December, the sad demise of Mr. Nelson Mandela, former South African President, shook the world. His death came in the spotlight of the national and international media. The heart-rending sobs and tearful eyes of his fans grieving over his death were highly poignant. His death spurred the rarest outpourings of sorrow and emotion amongst the world freedom fighters and brought tears to many eyes. Moreover, his death came as a complete shock to the world’s politicians, who hailed him as: “A hero of our time”, “A colossus”, “Role model” and “Father”.
The reports say that while his passing had been long expected, President Jacob Zuma’s announcement of the death late on Thursday shook South Africa. The streets of the capital Pretoria and of Johannesburg were hushed, and in bars and nightclubs, music was turned off as people gathered to quietly talk about the news.
A somber Zuma told his nation in a televised address that Mandela “passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20h50 on the 5thof December 2013”.
To see the profound effect of South African anti-apartheid hero Mr. Mandel’s death on the world’s political leaders, let’s view some of their statements regarding him. Obama, the first black American president stated about his death, “Today he’s gone home, and we’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human being that any of us will share time with on this earth. He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages.” Again in a televised address at the White House, he described Mandela as an inspiration: “Like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.”
Kofi Anan said about the death of Mr. Mandela, “The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass. By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another, Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all….While I mourn the loss of one of Africa’s most distinguished leaders, Madiba’s legacy beckons us , to follow his example to strive for human rights, reconciliation and justice for all. “
U.N. Secretary – General Ban Ki-moon said,” Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration,” he added, “Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity.”
UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, called Mandela “a hero of our time”. He further added talking to reporters, “A great light has gone out in the world.”
Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, said the death “will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent”.
Nelson Mandela fought heroically against aggression and racial discrimination. Even though, he spent 27 years behind iron bars, he did not succumb to injustice and oppression. He cherished moral, freedom and justice. He broke the chains of slavery from the feet of his black nation. Mandela made the world, especially the biased Whites of South Africa, understand that being black is no longer a crime. He taught them that human dignity does not lie in color but in one’s mind and mentality. He fought for the rights of his nation fearlessly and with strong determination till he achieved what he wanted. Within 95 years, he lived a life of virtue. Mr. Mandela states his aim as: “I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Indeed, those who sacrifice their life for humanity, for justice, for freedom and rights of oppressed nation and fight against immoralities, injustice and oppression, the history keeps their names proudly and carries them to the next generation to learn how to live and how to embrace freedom and virtue. The great personalities do not necessarily belong to one nation or society but to all nations around the world.
Everyone is born to play a role in the life, whether it be a positive or a negative one. Some play their role notoriously, particularly some kings, and their life is involved in oppression, violence, bloodshed, and many other crimes and corruptions, whereas there are others who play the opposite of what was mentioned. They devotedly sacrifice their life for the comfort and honor of their nations the same as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his sister Fatima Jinnah, Syed Jamal Afghani, Allama Esmael Balkhi, etc. Of course, both the groups will be immortalized by their nation and history but some are famous and some others are infamous. The best players are those who play their roles in favor of humanity and morality and are considered the winners amongst their nation and society.
Mr. Mandela’s life is a good example for our politicians to learn. Our country is in urgent need of a leader like him. We also need a leader to fight against injustice, corruption, racial discrimination, ignorance, etc. We need a leader to save our society from current social disorder, anarchy and political chaos. We need someone to bring glory for our nation and society through his/her devotion and dedication. Of course we need a leader to bring freedom and democracy in their true forms to our people. The men of history are born to teach the societies, the nations and politicians how to cherish morality and humanity in their life. It is prayed and hoped that the life of Mr. Mandela and other historical personalities awake our leaders and change their characters for the better.