«We should perpetuate the legacy of this exceptional human being»

6 décembre 2013

6 décembre 2013, 15:18

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«We should perpetuate the legacy of this exceptional human being»

In his letter of condolence to President Jacob Zuma, PM Madela should guide all of us in transforming the world…

It is with the deepest grief that the people of Mauritius and I have learnt of the passing away of His Excellency Mr Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa.

The world has already acknowledged Madiba, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, as a historical figure and an icon who will forever be remembered as a rare gift of God to humanity.

The former Leader of the African National Congress will be remembered for the stellar role he played in the dismantling of the abhorrent policy of apartheid in South Africa and also in the struggle for freedom of many countries in the world.

Madiba’s initiative in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal a deeply traumatised country, inspired the creation of a Truth and Justice Commission in Mauritius to help us come to terms with our own history of injustice and oppression.

The incident at Pietermaritzburg was emblematic of the relentless struggle of stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela for human dignity regardless of creed, colour or religion. I recall the emotional moments when I unveiled the plaque marking this defining event.

What Albert Einstein said on Mahatma Gandhi would be fitting for Madiba:

“Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth”.

The best tribute that the world can pay to him is to ensure that we perpetuate the legacy of this exceptional human being. His leadership and moral rectitude should guide all of us in transforming the world into a place where every single human being gets the opportunity to live up to his potential.

The people of Mauritius mourn with our brothers and sisters of South Africa as well as the rest of the world, the passing away of this extraordinary man. I cherish fond recollections of the meeting I had with Madiba during my State Visit to South Africa in February 1998. We also treasure his State Visit to Mauritius in September of the same year. The proximity we felt to him, during his Official Visit, moved us all and lifted our spirits.

It was a privileged moment in the life of our Nation and an occasion for a rare outpouring of affection for this great man imbued with courage, conviction, integrity, humility and goodness. We recall with particular emotion these words of his: “On my return to South Africa, I will be able to report to my people that in Mauritius we have a friend indeed and a partner for peace, prosperity and equity as we enter a new millennium”.