Former president Nelson Mandela was the glue that held the revolutionary movement together, and continues to hold the nation together, ANC President Jacob Zuma said here on Saturday.
Zuma was speaking Saturday at Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The ANC decided to hold its own celebrations that would include a mass rally of ordinary South Africans.
He said the ANC was honored and truly blessed to have an icon of Mandela’s calibre in its midst, in the organization and in the country.
“We know that you expect nothing from the masses of our people than to see the fulfillment of the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, non-sexist, non-racial and democratic South Africa.
“You have always provided leadership and direction during the most decisive moments in our history,” he told Mandela.
Zuma made several references to Mandela’s life during the struggle and historical moments.
“In 1944, when the time came to infuse some life into the struggle to face a brutal regime, you played a key role in the formation of the ANC Youth League.
“You did the same in 1949, when militancy was required, during the defiance campaign. You led from the front as you wanted an end to racial domination and hatred,” he said.
Zuma said Mandela’s ‘M-Plan’ was and still is an inspiration for the ANC.
“The ‘M Plan’ should serve as an inspiration for ANC branches currently.”
“We are encouraging them to establish street committees to fight crime in our communities,” he said.
He also said that Mandela taught them humility, and the necessity of collective wisdom and collective leadership.
“As the struggle continued, waged internally and internationally, you represented the undying spirit of a people who would never rest until justice and human dignity were restored.”
“The Mandela name became synonymous with our struggle for freedom,” he said.
Reference was also made to former Apartheid Prime Minister PW Botha’s offer of conditional freedom in 1985 when Mandela said in a statement that “Only free men can negotiate.”
He also said that Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 brought the world to a standstill.
Zuma said when he cast a vote for the first time on April 27, 1994; he carried the nation’s dreams and aspirations.
“During your term as the first president of a free South Africa, you elevated this country from being a pariah to a respected successful modern democracy.
“You served a very short but highly effective term before handing over to your deputy, Comrade (Thabo) Mbeki in a carefully planned succession strategy.”
He said the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Foundation changed the lives of many, especially children.
“You continued to work tirelessly to make South Africa a better country, and to put a smile on the faces of many.
“Your legacy is a book for all to read. If we do not learn, it cannot be your fault,” said Zuma.
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API/sourceAPA
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