Nelson Mandela

I agree with you Grannyknot. This is a time for reflecting on his words and putting them into practice.

Thanks, Mamie . I've been feeling quite fragile today, and had a very busy day at work, so was pleased to leave the training event I was at to walk back to Waterloo from Piccadilly and past the South Africa House crowd, to briefly be with "my tribe". Glad I did that.

Have been thinking about you today GK. Hugs.
He was a wonderful man.

But whitewave (and others), does that not go against the spirit of the very thing that Mandela stood for - forgiveness? I was listening to an early speech of his last night on the news, when he had just come out of prison, and he said "Let bygones by bygones" in that old-fashioned manner of speech that he often used.

I feel so privileged to have been part of the struggle against apartheid here in the UK - it was only a small movement to begin with but gradually grew and grew.

I remember how the Tories reacted against and spoke of Madiba , a little humbleness would be good, and a recognition of the utter evil some of them spoke at the time.

nonnie and grandmanorm I went to South Africa House in Trafalgar Square today and although the queue to sign the condolence book was long, there was much entertainment - for those who joined it - in spurts of joyful song and dance, often sort of impromptu songs made up around the name Mandela.

I had a quiet little 'greet' and went on my way.

RIP Nelson Mandela. He meant so much to so many.

broomsticks in his own words, that was because "I realised if I was bitter and filled with hate, I would still be in prison".

Lala kahle, Mnumzane (sleep well, Sir).

An amazing man who seemed to be without bitterness or anger when he had every reason to feel both.

As others have said, a truly great man and I too like how the South Africans celebrate his life rather than mourning his death.

Isn't it lovely to hear on the news that South Africans are celebrating his life rather than mourning his death.

Nonnie That's a superb quote isn't it. There is much to learn from this great man's insight.

A moving tribute by Desmond Tutu, another great icon of the struggle against apartheid.

Thank you JessM so moving.

One of my sons in law is South African, when we cut the cake at the wedding (which was decorated with both flags), we sang the National Anthem and NKosi Sikelel'i Africa.

I can't think of any other national anthem that seems to envelop anyone who sings it in such a depth of emotion.

A remarkable man . R.I.P

I missed all the coverage because we were out last night but I will be happy to watch it all for a couple of days. RIP Madiba. His book was one of the greatest reads ever and especially moving after visiting Robben Island.

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” —Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

.... absolutely Ariadne.
Hugh Edwards was visibly and obviously moved when reading the news last night.
Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to so many, but as President Obama said, 'he no longer belongs to us he belongs to the ages'. Long may he be remembered.

The coverage is entirely justified for such a great man of our time. I speak as one who is usually furious at the time the media spend on some issues!

bluebell, there is little taught in schools about Mandela, to do so would be to teach of the great British Raj , of this countrys part in practicing apartheid and supporting apartheid in SA and other countries .

A truly humbling experience to watch, again, the details of Mandela's incredible life.

For anyone who wants a moving and musical moment - I posted this on the other thread last night

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFW7845XO3g

It would be good to be reminded of the others - there's certainly a film about Biko- Cry Freedom and a film or documentary about Ruth First - would be good to have a series on BBC4 - also Cry the beloved country. Anyone know how it's taught in schools now? Any other films that deal with some of the other heroes?

An extraordinary and inspiring man.

I understand all that Jess and Bluebell and I would never dispute what Mandela achieved. But I stand by my point that others, who played a major role in beating apartheid and who were not so fortunate to live to a ripe old age, have been forgotten by the majority, though not by the minority.
However, I don't want this tribute thread to end up in an argument, so having made my point, and accepted yours, let's move on.
Peace.

A truly great man

R.I.P Mandela