A Tribute..............
It is time to get ready. What better way than to start with a song?
South African musician Johnny Clegg opened a concert in France in 1999 with his popular song ‘Asimbonanga’, meaning ‘we have not seen him’ – referring to Mandela, whose image was banned during apartheid.
Towards the end, the man himself makes a surprise appearance on stage, where he does his famous jive and makes a short impromptu speech.
In this video clip, Mandela encourages the audience to dance as well, saying:
Well.... it is music and dancing that makes me at peace with the world......... and at peace with myself.
Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela did not take himself seriously and relaxed and smiled and laughed and easily put others at ease. That is how I will remember him. (Btw, didn't Mandela do a great Morgan Freeman impersonation in this clip with Clegg?)
A wonderful way to get ready for letting go of Nelson Mandela is to review his history (which became ours,) and to remember the different seasons of his life. He is leaving us but he will never be gone. His mighty spirit has guided us and will continue to do so.
There are many articles on "thesouthafrican.com" about Nelson Mandela, this one is about his major achievements: Mandela Moments
NELSON MANDELA led us out of apartheid and thus South Africa became ‘the rainbow nation’. Here is a list of 10 ‘Madiba moments‘: prolific moments that made the man so great, and the nation so proud.
It is a wonderful personal, folksy read, which I think presents more personal touches than other stories I have read, with many pictures and footage about the highlights of his life:
1) Release from Prison
2) Casting his first Vote
3) Presidential Inauguration and "Free at Last Speech"
4) 1995 Rugby World Cup (the one with Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman ;-) )
5) Winning the Nobel Peace Prize
6) The 'Madiba Jive'
South Africans are renowned for their dancing and singing abilities, and lucky for us: Nelson Mandela is one great dancer
7) Madiba Shirts
In general, politicians have a standard uniform: suit (preferably black or grey) and tie – or some variation of this. Nelson Mandela on the other hand, has always gone for a more ‘proudly African’ way of dressing – bright and airy batik shirts with vivid splashes of colour. They might just be clothes, but Madiba’s shirts deserve a mention because they have always brought a sense of freedom and uniqueness to an area that has always been quite buttoned up and reserved. They shout ‘You are who you are! Be yourself and be proud.’
8) Surprise appearance at Johnny Clegg concert (video above)
9) Mandela wins over the British and is honoured with a statue in London
10) 46664 .... (I will let you read this one in the article....) clue: a cause Mandela has devoted himself to...
More Tributes below.......
CNN has prepared and released this inspirational video clip, which I first saw on Juan Cole's Informed Comment a few days ago. It is a stirring reminder of all the heroic tasks he achieved in his life. Juan Cole's post is joining many others that are now celebrating the life of this hero while he is still with us. I add my diary to the chorus of thanks and praise and celebration of him and his life.
7 Things you can Learn from Nelson Mandela
The South African "Mail and Guardian" has an article on Seven Memorable Mandela quotes, which include many pictures of Mandela laughing and having a good time. That is the man I will remember. The warm, human, feeling person. Who also just incidentally happened to have the courage of a lion. He has passed down his wisdom to us:
Nelson Mandela's quotes are the stuff of legend. We look at some of the icon's most unforgettable statements and where they were made.
By Haji Mohamed Dawjee and Khuthala Nandipha
It's no wonder that Nelson Mandela is known as one of the most quoted men in the world, his words of wisdom echo worldwide. Aside from his memorable political speeches and his autobiography, there are other important life maxims that Madiba taught us through the years – words we should all definitely try to live by.
My favorite from the list of quotes is:
"A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest."
A wonderful warm way to look at the life of Nelson Mandela.....
Let us honor this remarkable man and his life with music and dancing, remembering his words:
Well.... it is music and dancing that makes me at peace with the world......... and at peace with myself.
It is time for us to get ready...
to begin to let go....
Join me........