Mandela, world icon who defined freedom

By Mohamed Shidiye

No mortal has exemplified what life is all about than Nelson Mandela. What started as the ordinary life of a South African wanting the very best for his people, turned out to be a world icon, defining freedom. In Mandela’s struggles and triumphs, the world mirrors how to live with each other without prejudice, fear or favour.

Mandela, as he rests, dreamt of a South Africa in which all are treated equally. He has lived to see that dream. And as he once put it himself ‘a winner is a dreamer who never gives up’. He lived to win the hearts, souls and minds of all not only in South Africa but the world at large.

His death offers reflections for us all. As a country, it is an opportunity to soul search on what we want to be. Citizens must at all times interrogate themselves, their neighbors and nation at large on where they want to see themselves and their children in years to come. Leaders like myself must take the queue and offer selfless and servant leadership. It is a conscious, concerted and collaborative effort that will take us forward in what will be a century of Kenya, 50 years from today.

Mandela’s richly lived life is full of sadness, twists and turns, glamour and hope. It epics life. It describes humility. Not many can endure the pain and suffering he did to provide a foundation for a nation as he did. This even included almost losing his family and tangibly separating from them for most of his life. His family best felt the suffering he did and the future he wanted to see for all. South Africans felt the fruits of his labor. The world witnessed the birth of a nation.

Madiba has left us but his deeds will remain with us for the life of the universe. It is time to celebrate and echo his invaluable credentials.

Fair thee well Madiba.

May he rest in eternal peace.