Mandela: A Leader With Distinction!

The news of our most revered statesman's passing on to glory which was reported by the vast majority of international and local media outlets on the 5th of december 2013 has left endless tears cascading down the eyes of all and sundry in the whole universe. A barrage of tributes have been sent to his family via social media owing to his giant leadership strides. Mandela was a perfect paradigm of a selfless leader who layed down his life for his people. He was a political bulwark against oppression. He took upon himself a task which was daunting - sacrificing to slave way in prison for the protection of the sanctity and dignity of his people. He earned an unparalelled reputation - both nationally and internationally - owing to his unflinching determination and tenacity of purpose which stands him out as a leader with a distinction. Madiba, as he was fondly called, is one leader we should strive to emulate in times of strife, political upheaval, rancour and acrimony.He was assertive of his demand for self-determination and was never cowed by racism or intimidated by acutely cynical fellows. He surmounted all odds and encumberances to demonstrate his unwavering agitation for justice, equity, fairness, freedom and peaceful coexistence Personally, his ascendency to presidency was a kind of divine arrangement, having spent 27 horrible years in prison. We do have innumerable men who like him were incarcerated but could not return alive.This is an apparent testament to the aphorism that destiny can only be delayed but not denied. We shall greatly miss him, his rivers of wisdom, his fatherly advice, his lovely smiles, his virtues, for he has inculcated in us a firm and profound believe that we all are of one Father(God), therefore deserve to be treated with equality regardless of our social and economic differences. Mandela, like Paul did declare in 2nd timothy 4:6-8 , has fought the good fight of faith; he has finished the race and has kept the faith. The diadem which God has promised to only those who look foward to his return, rests on his head. Though dead, he still lives on in our mind and so are his memories. His journey from the cradle to the grave, the mountain of encomium showered upon him, leave behind great lessons to be imbibed. The lesson? The need to leave a virtuous life; preach peace, tolerance and forgiveness, so that even when we're gone, we'd be greatly memorialized. He has played his part by making use of his time, talent, and wealth in ameliorating the travails of South Africans, and salvaging them from their crippling gripe of Apartheid. It's now my turn, your turn, our turn to use every possesssion, time and talent in paying obeisance to God and waring against injustice, against disparity, against resentment and against flagrant disregard of human rights. Mandela is gone, but his legacy glows! May his soul rest in peace, Amen!