South African High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Geoffrey Doidge Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of Nelson Mandela
President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka at the Union Buildings in Pretoria paying his respects to the Late President Nelson Mandela
Tributes
to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the former President of South Africa
abounded following his passing on 5th December 2013. His death has
prompted public grief on an unprecedented global scale, with many
countries declaring a period of mourning for this icon of freedom,
justice and reconciliation. Paying tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela
High Commissioner Geoffrey Doidge of South Africa speaks to Srimal Fernando, Global Editor of The Diplomatic Society.
High Commissioner Geoffrey Doidge of South Africa
It
is very difficult for us to grasp what Mandela went through in his life
and what must have gone through his mind. He was extraordinary in
almost anything that he did. He had enormous faith in humanity and is an
example of the human spirit that can overcome all the odds.
I don’t think any of us realize the vision that came out of his leadership and strength. He certainly knew where the end goal was. There was no time for pettiness and cheap politicking in his life. He was a very constructive person, he utilized every single moment in his life to guide us and to provide leadership for South Africa from a very troubled past to drawing up one of the most democratic constitutions in the world. This has far reaching implications, I think, far further than many of us South Africans realize.
Mandela was the embodiment of the values that could create a better world. He was a peacemaker, incorruptible and he was not swayed by emotion. On being released from imprisonment after so many years he did not seek revenge, he rose above the emotions, positively influencing and convincing people in what needs to be achieved. He was a man of conviction and he conveyed it with authority and confidence. Forgiveness, understanding and being able to reach out to people are some of his the strongest points. He did not circumb to short sightedness or showing any bitterness or negativity.
So as we pay tribute to Nelson Mandela and celebrate his life, we are in mourning at the loss of our leader, our father. Our condolences are expressed to the Mandela family who so willingly shared him with the nation and the world. We take for granted their sacrifice for the benefit of us all. We owe them a great deal of gratitude and thank them.
Mandela’s passing has left mixed feelings of deep sadness, profound gratitude, joyous celebration and anxious anticipation for the future of South Africa.
As Deputy Chief Whip of the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling majority, in the South African Parliament my seat was directly behind President Mandela. This is an experience I will cherish. He always found time to be in parliament attentively listening to the debates. I have personally taken him as a mentor in my life. I have modelled all my work on the values he imparted to us.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka who attended the Memorial service in South Africa. We thank countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Nepal for their responsiveness to the passing of President Mandela. We also appreciate the day of commemoration in Sri Lanka and for the messages of condolences that we received from the countries across the region.
Source : Foreign Exchange Diplomatic Society I don’t think any of us realize the vision that came out of his leadership and strength. He certainly knew where the end goal was. There was no time for pettiness and cheap politicking in his life. He was a very constructive person, he utilized every single moment in his life to guide us and to provide leadership for South Africa from a very troubled past to drawing up one of the most democratic constitutions in the world. This has far reaching implications, I think, far further than many of us South Africans realize.
Mandela was the embodiment of the values that could create a better world. He was a peacemaker, incorruptible and he was not swayed by emotion. On being released from imprisonment after so many years he did not seek revenge, he rose above the emotions, positively influencing and convincing people in what needs to be achieved. He was a man of conviction and he conveyed it with authority and confidence. Forgiveness, understanding and being able to reach out to people are some of his the strongest points. He did not circumb to short sightedness or showing any bitterness or negativity.
So as we pay tribute to Nelson Mandela and celebrate his life, we are in mourning at the loss of our leader, our father. Our condolences are expressed to the Mandela family who so willingly shared him with the nation and the world. We take for granted their sacrifice for the benefit of us all. We owe them a great deal of gratitude and thank them.
Mandela’s passing has left mixed feelings of deep sadness, profound gratitude, joyous celebration and anxious anticipation for the future of South Africa.
As Deputy Chief Whip of the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling majority, in the South African Parliament my seat was directly behind President Mandela. This is an experience I will cherish. He always found time to be in parliament attentively listening to the debates. I have personally taken him as a mentor in my life. I have modelled all my work on the values he imparted to us.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka who attended the Memorial service in South Africa. We thank countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Nepal for their responsiveness to the passing of President Mandela. We also appreciate the day of commemoration in Sri Lanka and for the messages of condolences that we received from the countries across the region.
Source : http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/859-tributes-to-nelson-mandela
No comments:
Post a Comment