Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013)

As the nation, the continent and the world mourns the passing of a world leader, visionary, father, grandfather and activist for peace, we reflect on some of his most inspiring words…

1.  “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

2.  “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

3.  “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 will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised. But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”- Defence statement during the Rivonia Trial, 1964

4.  “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands. “- First day of his release, Cape Town (11 February 1990)

5.  “We live with the hope that as she battles to remake herself, South Africa, will be like a microcosm of the new world that is striving to be born.” – Nobel Prize acceptance speech,1993

6.  “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

7.  “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

8.  “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

9.  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

10.  “I am the product of Africa and her long-cherished view of rebirth, that can now be realised so that all of her children may play in the sun.”

Rest in Peace Tata Madiba.

Picture source:  http://thegreatadventurer.com/2012/07/19/madibas-legacy-more-than-one-day-of-charity/