FOLLOW US
Peace and Security
Maseko and Leballo: Commemorating the Life of Nelson Mandela
Written by Prof. J.S. Maseko and Rev. T.M. Leballo, UPF-South Africa
Monday, December 16, 2013
In Memoriam: Nelson Mandela (1913-2013), President of South Africa (1994-1999)
On December 5, 2013, the first Black democratically elected President of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla, Mandela, passed on to the spirit world and was buried on December 15, 2013, in his village of Qunu, an Eastern Cape village of South Africa. He is regarded as an icon because he not only inspired us with his words as quoted from his treason trial, “During my lifetime, I fought oppression of the Whites, I fought oppression of the Blacks, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die,” but his vision as the first black President was the economic and social transformation of the South African society, and his point of departure was that “ South Africans should lay the scourge of racism to rest through strong democratic institutions." To implement his vision he established the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which contributes to a just society by convening dialogue around critical social issues, and sports such as soccer and rugby.
Contribution to education
More than 94 schools were built by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in partnership with the Department of Basic Education in, particularly, poor communities across South Africa. His selfless service toward the poor and needy drew the attention of world icons like, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, who supported his vision to further improve the provision of education in science and technology. Most of these projects are now bearing fruits - this can be seen by the excellent results that come out of the Oprah Winfrey girl’s school of excellence, and the tremendous impact that the Bill Clinton Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is having on the country’s fight against the scourge of HIV/Aids.
His final walk
Nelson Mandela succumbed to a long illness from a recurring lung infection and passed away on Thursday, 5 December 2013. His vision to reconcile all the peoples of South Africa, and his selfless service to achieve a non-racial, democratic and prosperous nation required a long and arduous walk. This walk undoubtedly left behind a legacy unmatched in modern times. Hopefully his legacy will compel future leaders, not only in South Africa but the entire world, to make real efforts to find lasting solutions to world problems and usher in a world of true peace.
The Mandela Statue
A statue to commemorate the life of this extraordinary man was unveiled in front of the Union Building (parliament) after his burial on December 16, 2013 by the current president, Jacob Zuma. It stands 9 meters tall and depicts Nelson Mandela as a man who is magnanimous.
Interreligious Federation
The Universal Peace Federation, established by Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, joins the nation of South Africa in mourning the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a man who epitomized that clarion call by Rev. Moon to “live for the sake of others.” May his soul rest in peace.
All enquiries regarding above matters should be referred to:
Prof. J.S. Maseko (Chairman)
Tel: +27 12 429 4575 (0)
Mobile: +27 82 670 8159
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or
Rev. K. Mbengeni (Secretary)
Tel: +27 11 486 049 (0)
Fax: +27 11 486 7149
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Australia
UPF-Australia Convenes Mutual Prosperity Summit
Melbourne, Australia—The Mutual Prosperity Summit focused on “Rethinking Our Economic Models.”