As I said on my facebook page.... RIP Nelson Mandela. The man who taught the world that two wrongs don't make a right.
- a tremendous citizen of the human race and world ambassador for peace and equality.RIP Nelson Mandela- a tremendous citizen of the human race and world ambassador for peace and equality.
Following his release from prison, his trip to Canada in November 1989 was his first official state visit and he addressed the House of Commons as the first non head of state to do so. He especially wanted to thank Canada for its leadership in implementing sanctions against South Africa, and in particular the efforts of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to use his influence to change the stance of Margaret Thatcher.
I listened to an interview on CBC radio this morning as I was driving to work with a gentleman who had known Nelson Mandela most of his life and was imprisoned with him on Robben Island for 26 years (he quipped that Mandela beat him by being there for 27 years). He mentioned that on two occasions, Mandela was given the opportunity of early release from prison if he denounced his policical views, but was not willing to do so.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Digital+Ar...nal+Politics/ID/1736854197/?page=4&sort=MostP..
Yesterday in another interview it was mentioned that on his first visit to Ireland in 1990 Mandela was amazied at all the young people chasing after him like a rock star.
http://www.thejournal.ie/mandela-ireland-photos-1209009-Dec2013/
Very sad, if not unexpected news.
There can be few individuals that have have so much influence for positive change. A great man.
Good to see this forum has a little decorum, predictably the WATRB thread about this descended into jokes and insults without even a semblance of respect for the man's achievements.
I'm fortunate enough to be going to his funeral. A true legend. He'll never be forgotten
Did you get some serious promotion I was not aware of?????
My mum and dad (Brixton R) spent much time at South Africa House protesting for the great man's release at a time when the world was still attending to the wounds felt from the divisions left from world-wide colour divide issues.
I, as a youngster, didn't see the full significance of this 'great' man Mandela. Some years later I saw the majesty with my own eyes...the significance of a united South Africa at the end of the 1995 rugby world cup where Francois Pienaar (of evident Boer decent) stood in unison with the icon of peace, Mandela. With black and white sitting side by side with a shared smile it showed that one man could force the world to take another step in history.
This privilege was heightened during the great man's visit to Brixton in 1996. Standing by Brixton Recreation Centre at 13 years of age, I wriggled through the crowds and got to the barrier as he emerged with entourage in tow. One touch of the great man's arm and a passing glimpse of his eye left me awe-struck; the unspoken power of the increasingly frail man was clear for all to see! What a one-off lifetime opportunity. Typically mum and dad did the work and I reaped the reward as they were both at work at the time. Their loss, my gain. Mum fittingly went and signed the book of condolence yesterday as dad would've expected.
Rest in peace Madiba - great work done with such self-deprecation and humility. The biggest of life's examples!
can we re-open the John Humphreys on Mandela thread![]()
I'm sorry but did someone tear out the pages of history in which Mandela authorised the bombing of innocent people while he was head of the MK (the terrorist wing of the ANC). Saint Jerry Adams anyone?