SADC-CNGO on the Passing of Nelson Mandela

SADC-CNGO Southern African Development Community –Council of Non-Governmental Organisations Secretariat: Private Bag 204, Gaborone; BOTSWANA Plot 18682, Phase 2, Gaborone, Botswana E-mail: abied@sadc-cngo.org.bw, Phone number: +267 3912982, Fax: +267 3912954 “It is sufficient to say there is not enough rain in the skies for us to be able to shower on him the honour he deserves.” Statement on the death of Comrade Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela The heart of a hero has ceased to beat. The smile of our father has faded for the final time. The life of a true legend has ended. With his family, his comrades and friends, we, the representative body civil society in Southern Africa, mourn the death of the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa. Prisoner number 46664 has taken his final journey leaving behind an indelible legacy of justice and peace. His many years of imprisonment failed to break his spirit and resolve for the attainment of a democratic South Africa free of hatred and fear, a South Africa in which the fundamental human dignity of all would not only be protected but indeed realised. As we reflect on the great man who led his country to freedom from Apartheid, we know that his work is not yet complete. Lasting peace can only be built on the foundations of justice and justice is only possible when none of us is hungry, homeless or without basic necessities of life. The generation which fought and suffered for freedom is slowly passing away, having lived to see freedom dawn. Today the scourge of poverty and a lack of opportunity afflicts too many of our people for them to enjoy this freedom and the struggle for justice continues in South and Southern Africa. The Executive Director of SADC-CNGO, expressing the heartfelt condolences of the entire NGO community in Southern Africa, said: “The legacy of Nelson Mandela and his entire generation has guided us throughout our work and efforts. We have been inspired by his life. We appreciate that Tata’s passing, while deeply sad, had to arrive. We thank him and his family for all they have done for South Africa, Africa and the world. I can only repeat these words: ‘It is sufficient to say there is not enough rain in the skies for us to be able to shower on him the honour he deserves.’ Hamba Kahle Madiba! Aluta Continua!”