Nelson Mandela, who was instrumental in ending apartheid in South Africa and rose from prisoner to president, is celebrating his 90th birthday TODAY!
When I look around us and see Zimbabwe and what a “leader” can do to its people and the country as a whole I shiver. When I look at Kenya and see how “leaders” try to hold on to power – I wonder. I visited Rwanda and saw hundreds of thousands being killed in churches and schools – I smelled the bones and I know it is time …..! We are desperately seeking for more NELSON MANDELA’s in Africa.
Legacy
Mr de Klerk, who was awarded 1993 Nobel Peace Prize along with Mr Mandela, described him as one of the greatest figures of the 20th Century.
LANDMARKS
1918 – Born in the Eastern Cape
1964 – Sentenced to life for high treason
1990 – Freed from prison
1993 – Wins Nobel Peace Prize
1994 – Elected first black president
2004 – Retires from public life
2005 – Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness
“After his inauguration, Nelson Mandela used his personal charm to promote reconciliation and to mould our widely diverse communities into an emerging multicultural nation,” the last president of the apartheid era told reporters on Thursday.
“This, I believe, will be seen as his greatest legacy.”
But not all is lost – we are in the process of training young kids to become responsible leaders who respects life and has found the discipline to work on their character daily. I just had a boy we sponsor yesterday at the base. He is only 11 and his name is Marisano Sixpense. His mother is a witchdoctor. He did something wrong – really not that big of a sin but it required him to tell the truth. Af first he kept quiet but after a discussion and giving him some time to come to the front and face reality ….. he opened up, confessed, told the truth and took responsiblility for his actions. Maybe something small …… but on the right track.
May God help us to raise strong, open, respected, accountable leaders in Africa – like Nelson Mandela. Happy birthday Madiba – we love you!