KEEP THE MANDELA DREAM ALIVE

                                                                                                  

NELSON MANDELA

(July 18 1918 to December 5 2013)

Some will say it is the end of an era. It need not to be so. Everyone who loves this country will be deeply saddened by the passing away of former president Nelson Mandela. His unshakeable belief in a future based on justice for all has been a beacon of hope for many South-Africans. His dedication,  leadership and humanity resonated internationally as an example of a fearless liberation hero. His presence in our collective thoughts manifested as a unifying force that guided our strife for reconciliation.

 From a symbolic point of view Nelson Mandela represented everything we as a nation can, want and should be:

▪We can forgive one another and move on.

▪Most South Africans want to live together in peace despite their differences.

▪We must take responsibility for our future.

Few politicians rise above the 'Sturm und Drang' of every day politics. With his talent for statesmanship, Mandela established himself as the father figure of South Africa'democracy. He will be recognised as such in the annals of history.

Memories of this great statesman alone are however not enough. We must not allow our future to be sabotaged by corruption or poor governance.

 We therefor need to take responsibility for our future. Of cardinal importance in this regard is an active civil society based on critical thinking and democratic values, the acknowledgement of common interests as well as the acceptance of otherness in our diverse society. By doing this we will keep the Mandela dream of peace, prosperity and reconciliation alive. In doing so, the Mandela era need not to come to an end.