OT Mandela dies.

As I said on my facebook page.... RIP Nelson Mandela. The man who taught the world that two wrongs don't make a right.

 

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/

 

Great post Kilburn.

 

A truly great and inspirational man.

RIP Nelson Mandela.

 

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.

 

Wellcome DC- didnt bother checking WATRB for a post on this as it was obvious what was going to be posted.

I did see a few similar negative posts on facebook about him too (one by one of our current posters who shall remain nameless)
I suppose its al about opinions and there were a few divided ones of NM.
Thing is, regardless of your view of him or what he may or may not have done, no-one can refute the positive changes he was instrumental in achieving.
I dont know enough about his early years & the alledged things he is supposed to have done, but Im very aware of the good he achieved.

RIP to a man that had a massive influence on all of society.

 

Did you get some serious promotion I was not aware of?????

 

I'm sure our Brix could have some great conversations with him in the life beyond?

 

True Legend, what that man went through, and how he forgave and moved on, r.i.p great one

 

He must have got voted in as the President of the country.

Or, he is travelling over there with the President of the country????

If it's the latter, I am sure you are sworn to secrecy Nuts.

Enjoy the trip.

 

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!

 

Superb post Deon.

Hope you and Pat are ok mate.

 

Yes, lovely post Deon. I probably protested next to your Dad and didn't know him at the time.

Take care.

 

I can recall demonstrating for his release in Toronto at the Ontario provincial gov't (known as Queens Park, too, it is). He was as said above a giant of a man who will be remembered long after a lot of other "legends" are forgotten

RIP Nelson Mandela

 

can we re-open the John Humphreys on Mandela thread

 

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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?

 

Is that you Norman?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/nelson-mandela-dead-conservative-hypocrites-2899975

 

Oh God! Not you again!

 

Try and show a little bit of decorum on this thread please gentlemen...