Rolihlahla (Nelson) Mandela affectionately known as Madiba
Today this beloved Icon celebrated his 100thbirthday! At the age of 12 he dreamed of contributing to the freedom of his people from segregation known as “apartheid” in South Africa. He was given the name Nelson by a teacher, in accordance with the custom that schoolchildren should have “Christian” names.
I had heard of him, I had read about him, how he practiced law and eventually was incarcerated for 27 years. I was intrigued by his story of rebellion and imprisonment and his unending quest for justice. On February 11, 1990 he was finally released. The picture of his “walk to freedom” is permanently etched in my heart and mind! However, I was only able to view it after the fact for a very personal reason. It was at exactly the same time, 3 o’ clock precisely when he was released, that Alan, the love of my life, was instituted as the first non-white rector at a predominantly white church in Cape Town!
I recall how our extended family all sat around our tiny television after the service and reception had ended. We were spell-bound and silent as we listened to this soft-spoken man speak of his joy upon his release and heeded his call to promote peace and love. The jubilant crowds carried me along as people danced and shouted and cried “happy” tears.
Upon his election in 1994 as our first democratically-elected president, he set up the truth and reconciliation committee chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I was honored to be present at the swearing-in ceremony. I had been selected to escort 15 students from a local school where I was a senior teacher. A magical moment happened when this amazing leader, glanced up at the balcony where we were seated and smiled broadly, waved and said hello. It felt as if he was smiling just at me! I felt tears run down my cheeks and I knew that this was a moment I would never forget! I had been irreversibly “touched” by love, humility and peace!
Many years later and continents away, I still remember it with awe and wonder! There has never been someone who has moved me to choose kindness and joy, as this caregiver of forgiveness and love! His legacy will always inspire me to be the best I can be in all aspects of my life! He truly epitomized that love comes more naturally to the human heart, and reminded us that love is taught, and hate has to be learnt! (as so eloquently shared by President Obama).
Happy 100thbirthday Madiba! You continue to be a beacon of hope and peace! I revere and honor you and thank you for enriching my life in such a memorable way!
Jenny Dennis – July 18, 2018