World leaders from around 90 countries, along with tens of thousands of South Africans, are paying their tributes to Nelson Mandela, iconic former South African president, at a memorial service in Johannesburg, recalling his contributions for reconciliation across political and racial divides.
In his address at the ceremony at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium on Tuesday, Barack Obama, the United States president, called Mandela, who died last Thursday at the age of 95, the “giant of history” and described him as a leader who “moved a nation towards justice”.
Speaking under rain on Tuesday, Obama said that Mandela earned his place in history through struggle, shrewdness, persistence and faith, comparing him to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.
I just wish that our leaders would take just at least a page in the book of the life of Nelson Mandela. Just a page and Dominica would have been so much of a better place
Maybe not, he was also a reknowed communist. Isn’t it interesting the way the media can skew the truth. All of the dignitaries got together down in South Africa to discuss the NWO’ plan for the rest of us. Mandela was also one of them when he was alive.
It had to rain on this day, Nevertheless, it is considered showers of blessing. It kept the heat down. Especially for those who reside in cold climates, it made the weather bearable.
Au revoir Nelson Mandela. You have unselfishly fought the good fight. You have won in your own right. You have shown the world what it is to stand up for your rights and that of others, no matter what the price that they might live happily, in freedom, peace and harmony with their fellow people in S.A. and around the world. You have left us a legacy, never to be forgotten.
May this freedom and peace prevail in your South Africa.
Nelson Mandela was a chosen one who did his part, graciously and sacrificially, giving of his life, his time and half of his life in prison for this just cause. We must pray for world peace and never cease doing so. As we do, we must never forget him, keeping his memory and vision alive for a better world.
Nelson Mandela, you now know by sight what it is to love and serve your fellow people. We are sad that you left us but our God has better plans for you. Rest in His Heavenly Peace.
Ahhhhh, a gathering of hypocrites…
Many Black Leaders have turned over 360 degrees, the ideals of Nelson Mandela. Hypocrites they are.
In Dominica, for example, if the patriots advocate for freedom, justice and equality, they are called all kinds of derogatory names, cockroaches, Kakadors, terrorists, etc. People are afraid to even speak, advocate against injustices and corrupt practices by their Leaders and blind supporters.
The years of struggles of Mandela, ANC and the South African people had no effect on our Leaders. Their behavior and style of governance are totally opposite to what Mandela believed in and fought for.
Present-day black Leaders have learnt no lessons because they continue to oppress the poor, keep them in perpetual poverty, while a few become extremely rich. Mandela would never bring his people to the degrading state of having to grovel, to beg for their means of survival. Mandela would never make “Begging”, “Red Clinic” an institution.
Mandela was humble not arrogant. Mandela died with no riches. Mandela would never sign any Agreement with any foreign country and refuse to inform or allow the people to know all about such agreements.
Mandela was never a liar, but frank with his people in the struggle against apartheid, greed, selfishness, corruption.
Hypocritical statements will be heard from our Black Leaders and those who have refused to heed the call of Mandela for Equality, justice and freedom.
The DLP Govt would not even listen to the people for reforms to ensure free and Fair elections. Democratic institutions are being heavily influenced to the interests of a few.
A few are controlling everything. The poor, the majority of people, have been left out of the development process.
Dominicans have little say in how their country is running. Their sovereignty at stake. Jobs, building drains, bus-stands, State palace, State college, are awarded to Chinese foreign company and workers, while locals are cast aside, unemployed. Mandela would never, never take that road. Mandela always spoke of equal opportunities and fighting poverty.
look how former Nelson Mandela comrades run South Africa today..do you think is it called democracy, prosperity and progress? Soon South Africa will be another corrupt and violent s##hole of Africa…Look on Jacob Zuma who dances his tribal dances and urges to kill remaining whites? Reconciliation and UBUNTU?
Look on Zimbabwe…they got rid of white oppressors and instead of organizing normal civilized country they created another Haiti.
I dont see any Nelson Mandela ideas alive…Look on today Nelson Mandela funerals…it wasnt funerals – it was a meeting of elite club of politicians got together to laugh, greet each other, have nice time, make speaches…Barak Obama seems totally forgot about a reason or his trip there…disgusting and total disrespect!
You are being disrespectful towards the President of the USA. Do not put him in the same category as the other corrupt leaders of the African Continent. From the time President Obama took office, he’s been persecuted and treated in the worst possible way because he is black.As a matter of fact, he was given the exact treatment as President Mandela. He is experiencing the same racism. That’s why he could relate to Mandela & that’s the reason ‘The family’ chose him as one of the speakers!!
So before some of us put down our thoughts on paper we should first think of what we wish to convey. As the great Madiba would say: “Don’t think with our blood it only make us angry!”
Oh, and by the way, this was a memorial the decorum was suitable for the occasion. the setting will be quite different for the funeral.
Is our PM in attendance?
James: One would think our PM would be in attendance but he is too busy on the radio throwing “Maypwi” to be in attendance.
You must think before you comment and not throw stones and make derogatory comments about your PM. They also had to be invited. I read one Canadian delegate (person) was refused entry to the memorial service. It was also said there was extra space. I do not know what caused this. It will be aired on the News broadcast and printed in the newspapers.
Obama didn’t want him there.
REST IN PEACE