I stand before you today in a very somber moment to remember and honour a great son of Africa, a legend and the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
“Madiba”, as he was affectionately known, was a man of immeasurable virtue and impeccable integrity, who contributed immensely to the advancement of justice and equality for all, beyond the shores of our region. The accolades he has received from all quarters since his demise, demonstrate beyond doubt that he was indeed one of the greatest political icons of our time; no doubt he changed the course of history not only for South Africa, but, the region, continent and the world over. He will be forever remembered for his legacy of hope and promise he bequeathed us.
You will all agree with me that President Mandela fought the good fight in his struggle to set the people of South Africa free from the shackles of bondage and racial discrimination. Throughout his unrelenting quest for freedom, he vehemently renounced violence as only a means to an end.
This became even more apparent at the time of his release in 1990 and his subsequent assumption of the Presidency of the democratic South Africa. He bore no grudges against his oppressors. It was not by accident that his ability to steer South Africa through the crisis of its rebirth, earned him the international reputation of a benevolent negotiator and quintessential peacemaker.
Madiba was indeed a great statesman whose visionary leadership helped create the necessary platform for South Africa to transition into a peaceful, tolerant and secure nation and indeed, a good neighbour. From this platform, South Africa has achieved tremendous economic growth and become a key player in global affairs. President Mandela’s influence and integrity transcended borders and was felt worldwide.
As a virtuous leader, President Mandela influenced other nations on the African continent to embrace diplomacy and reconciliation as a vehicle towards African renaissance. Mandela’s principles and values led him to take a strong position on international issues, sometimes against world powers.
Nelson Mandela was truly shaped by the political culture in which he lived. This is evident in the following words about his contemporary world:
“Wits opened a new world to me, a world of ideas and political beliefs and debates, a world where people were passionate about politics. I was among white and Indian intellectuals of my own generation, young men who would form the vanguard of the most important political movements of the next few years. I discovered for the first time people of my age firmly aligned with liberation struggle, who were prepared, despite their relative privilege, to sacrifice themselves for the cause of the oppressed.”
As we in Botswana join the international community in mourning the loss of a remarkable man, we also remember with immense gratitude and pride, his contribution to our own liberation as part of Southern Africa. The kinship between the people of Botswana and South Africa remain deeply anchored in our common and shared values, dating back to time immemorial. It was largely due to this that together we were able to weather the wrath of the oppressive minority- regime. It must be remembered that it was in Lobatse that the first congress of the ANC was held after it was banned in South Africa.
The bond that Botswana and South Africa enjoys was underscored by President Mandela, when he said in 1996: “We are proud that the special relationship between our countries is rapidly coming of age. This underlines the fact that the bonds of history, geography and culture that nature has decreed, apartheid could not rend apart.” He continued on another occasion and said: “Despite the reign of terror unleashed against you by our oppressors. We stuck to each other through thick and thin.”
In paying tribute to this great man, it is necessary to highlight that he regarded Botswana as his home. This was manifestly captured in the letter he sent to Former President Sir Ketumile Masire while in prison in July 1980 following the demise of Sir Seretse Khama, when he said: “To the people of South Africa, independent Botswana has become another home which provides a haven for those who flee from political persecution. Its tragedies are our tragedies”.
Madiba’s very first visit out of South Africa was to Botswana in 1962, at the formative stages of the armed struggle. The apartheid regime would follow his trail with kidnappings, bombings, armed raids and assassinations that violated the sovereignty and peace of Botswana with the intention to intimidate the leadership of the country. However, intimidation would not come easily for a country that was rooted in democratic principles and the respect for human rights.
President Mandela has indeed taken the longest walk to freedom and each step was indelibly imprinted in his memory as he remembers those who had come to his aid during the darkest hours of his journey; such as Mr Michael Kitso Dingake, our own.
Botswana would thereafter, become the first country in a tour of 45 nations, in the world to receive gratitude for the support proffered to the African National Congress during the years of struggle. The President implored Botswana, among other countries, to continue to nurture democratic transformation in the young nation.
During his visit to Botswana as the President of the new South Africa, he shared his vision of a liberated South Africa as the beginning of a new era, dedicated to reverse the legacy of apartheid and destabilization of yester years, to contribute to the socio economic advancement of the African people. The new South Africa would also become an active member of the Southern African Development Community, ready to play her part towards peace and prosperity in our region.
Being the insightful person that he was, Botswana’s role in the contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle was never lost to Madiba.
In appreciating the modest role that Botswana played in the liberation struggle, Nelson Mandela said: “…..the knowledge that we enjoy the solid support and good will of the people of Botswana is a source of tremendous inspiration in our struggle to remove the evils of minority rule.”
In concluding, let me state that it is paramount that as the SADC region, and the rest of African nations, we should strive to live his legacy of creating a partnership of equals as the highest priority, taking cognizance of the fact that the development of any individual country is dependent upon the holistic development of its region.
It goes without saying, Madiba has been an inspiration to mankind. He lived a purposeful life which has touched and enriched us all directly or indirectly. His legacy will endure for time immemorial. The world has truly lost an exceptionally great man and one of the greatest leaders of our time.
May his soul rest in Eternal Peace!
*This was a statement by Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mokgweetsi Masisi, at the memorial service in honour of former South African President Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)
