Africa’s young leaders must emulate Mandela, says HH

 

NELSON ROLIHLAHLA Mandela is truly what most of the young politicians and citizens of the world must emulate, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has said.

 

To mark the centenary celebrations of the first black South African president, Hichilema said Mandela represents the embodiment of the ‘Ubuntu’ true love and reconciliation and “above all, the ability to forgive, love and move forward in unity”.

 

He said the anti-apartheid revolutionary and political activist’s legacy would live forever.

 

“Today marks the centenary celebrations of the greatest icons of our time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Mandela, who would have been 100 years today, was born on 18th July 1918 in the Transkei, South Africa. His name ‘Rolihlahla’ in his native Xhosa language literally means ‘pulling the branch of a tree’ but more commonly translated as ‘trouble maker’. The racist oppressors were to feel the full weight and meaning of this name most of Mandela’s life in and outside prison,” Hichilema said.

 

“The anti-apartheid revolutionary and political activist is internationally revered for his lifetime commitment to peace, democracy, human rights and reconciliation. Madiba, as he was fondly referred to, represents the embodiment of the ‘Ubuntu’ true love and reconciliation and his legacy shall live forever. He is truly what most of the young politicians and citizens of the world must emulate which is the ability to forgive, love and move forward in unity,” stated Hichilema.

 

“In his own words, Mandela said; ‘No one is born hating another person because of the color 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. Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom. Rest in Eternal Peace Mkulu.”