Tribute to nelson mandela -2013

My fellow citizens

We continue to gather in various places around the world to pay our tributes and respects
to the world’s greatest citizen Nelson Mandela. Who just as King David in the Holy
Scriptures, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep (Acts
13:36). Nelson Mandela once said "When a man has done what he considers to be his duty
to his people and his country, he can rest in peace”.

My deepest thoughts are with his family, relatives, and the great citizens of South Africa,
Africa and the World.

Nelson Mandela as a true pan African Leader had a dream of a United Africa. Speaking of
what he envisioned of Africa he said “I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself. I
dream of the realization of unity of Africa whereby its leaders can unite in their efforts to
improve and to solve the problems of Africa."

Nelson Mandela was a thought leader; he had a vision that transcended his ancestry and
geographical limitations, he had the courage to face his fears and to challenge the status
quo and even took risks for the cause he believed in.

He leaves a legacy and principles of value based leadership, values of equality, justice and
freedom; ideals of tolerance, humanism, human solidarity, compassion, to the less
privileged, the vulnerable and those in need. He inspired people to forgive, to reconcile, to
care, to be selfless and to maintain dignity no matter the circumstances. All of us now
should take upon ourselves as a noble duty to advance and practise these ideals in our
respective communities and work places. History will judge us harshly should we deviate
from this path.

The great powers of the world may have done wonders in giving the world industrial,
scientific and military contributions, but the greatest gift of giving the world a more humane
face which is the spirit of UBUNTU will come from Africa that’s the spirit exhibited by Nelson
Mandela during his time on earth.

Our times globally have experienced bad leadership; evidenced by political turmoil,
dysfunctional structures of authority, power hungry, greedy and corrupt leaders; moral
decay even in religious organizations, spiralling business closures and the recent global
economic meltdown. Results of bad leadership.

A mediator | Negotiator | Consultant | Connector | Lobbyist

The ruling elite who abuse power and enrich themselves at the expense of the people must
know they are now dealing with people who have being emboldened in their realization as
pivotal players in determining their own destiny democratically. People are sick of bad
leadership. We will continue to witness a reassertion of the right of the masses to
determine their destiny and their democratic right to be governed by structures of open and
accountable Leadership.

Africa and the world in the 21st century DEMANDS leadership that will facilitate growth,
lead marginalized communities into the mainstream of global growth; leadership that will
implement good policies including the entrenchment of human rights and respect for the
rule of law; broader access to education, health and shelter among others and restore
peace, security and justice where it is an obstacle to sustainable development.

If the current leadership in Africa, in Middle East, and elsewhere in the world can espouse
these values I believe there would be less conflicts, violence, hatred, and divisions along
tribal lines, political preferences, geographical locations and religious affiliation.

I challenge the current executive leadership in Africa, to follow the example set by Nelson
Mandela who only served one term as President thereafter went on to commit and serve
larger issues of the communities for the collective global good. By so doing he demonstrated
being great doesn't only happen when you clinch the Presidency, whether you become
president or not, you can still devote yourself to finding solutions that can develop the
world.

After losing elections, after the campaigns, there is life and there are still a lot of good
causes leaders can commit to. Our differences and disagreements can be conducted in a
civil tone and do not have to be settled with machetes and machine guns.

Leadership has evolved! The time for great man theory leadership whose motive is to
achieve a narrow range of objectives has come to an end. It's now time for RESPONSIBLE
leadership. (This is a catalyst for change) ACCOUNTABLE leadership (that fosters connectivity
with the people) RELEVANT Leadership (which is engaging in touch with reality) and
ETHICAL leadership - that maintains integrity.

A mediator | Negotiator | Consultant | Connector | Lobbyist