The MDC joins the rest of the world in wishing a happy 92nd birthday to former South African President and renowned international statesman Nelson Mandela.

We honour this great iconic statesman and stalwart of one of Africa’s most protracted struggles for sending an important lesson to Africa and the world that humility and courage can defeat an arrogant and racist dictatorship. Mandela remains our beacon of hope in our continued fight for real change across the African continent and the world. As a continent and as a people, we should emulate his capacity of being able to forgive, to be tolerant and to remain hopeful in the face of unbridled adversity and unmitigated racism.  

Mandela has been an inspiration to all Africans as a champion of people’s rights, an advocate for real change and an apostle and dedicated disciple of the power of individuals to bring positive change to their communities. The MDC finds it befitting that the United Nations has set aside July 18 as the Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of Mandela’s contribution in respecting human rights in the world. We are proud as a party and as Africans that this great son of the soil is so revered and honoured by the world; that his legacy has transcended barriers of country, of continent, of ethnicity and race.

The MDC salutes Madiba for his immense contribution in ensuring global peace, freedom and respect of human rights.  A wonderful, simple and charming personality, Mandela has shown how it is possible to give hope to an entire people; regardless of their social, political, ethnic or racial status. In him and in his legacy, future generations will derive profit and dividend in hope and courage; in perpetually believing that adversity and penury are temporary and ephemeral.

Madiba has set an example of how leaders can govern without trampling upon the poor and denying the people their basic human rights. He has debunked racial and social stereotypes. He is a true inspiration and his legacy sends a clear message that it is possible for an African to inspire a whole world; that it is possible to forgive and create a new beginning for all people.  The MDC wishes this great African icon more in life. We cherish the rich legacy of this charming prince of forgiveness. If one person can bring real change to people’s lives, a determined people can equally bring real change to the communities around them and make people believe again in the power of hope, selflessness and humility.

By MDC