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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was the first President
To be elected in fully-representative elections
Democratically and fairly held in South Africa
Becoming also the nation’s first black President
Oldest elected President, as he took office at age 75
Despite CNN’s 2003 false allegation, he’s still alive.
It was a Long Walk to Freedom full of struggles
Committed to non-violent mass struggle
The use of arms being only a last resort
Mandela began writing his story while in prison
The fires of freedom captivated his imagination
By which his vision continually pulled him
Much farther than the naked eye itself can see
While imprisoned Mandela lived Presidentially
Holding his passion and purpose wholeheartedly
Until the political door of 1994 opened unto him fully
He pursued justice, truth, and reconciliation tirelessly
The marvelous reformer didn’t just effect society
Mandela shaped both the 20th and 21st century
Letting his own light shine brightly, he gave
Others permission to do the same unconsciously.
Presiding over the transition from minority rule
Helping to overthrow the chains of apartheid
He won international respect for his advocacy
Of national and international reconciliation.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains,
But to live in a way that respects and enhances
The freedom of others.” Live like sisters and brothers.
Full enfranchisement must be graciously granted
Dedicated to the struggle of the African people
Fighting against domination both white and black
Cherishing the ideals of a society living harmoniously
Sharing blessings and freedoms economic and politically
Persevering for equality of expression and opportunity
Prepared to live and die for the sacred rights of humanity
Nelson Mandela miraculously gained favor and victory
Emerging from prison a hero rather than a villain
Transcending the racial divide and cultural collide
Triumphantly reconciling his people peaceably
For past ANC atrocities taking full responsibility
Encouraging peace among the black majority
Mandela supported the Springboks rugby team
Urging black South Africans to get behind them
As South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup
Mandela wore a Springbok shirt and cheered them
As they won an epic final over rival New Zealand
Mandela honored the team with a trophy presentation
Which he gave to Francois Pienaar, Afrikaner team captain
Seen as a major step in the white and black reconciliation.
There is much we all can learn from Nelson Mandela
A man who respects the sanctity of human life and rights
Understands the prisoner’s physical and psychological plight
A respected diplomat, Mandela builds bridges among nations
Dealing with the dispute between Libya, Britain, and the USA
Mandela brought Britain’s Blair to the table and paved the way
For negotiations with Colonel Gaddafi for the peaceable handover
Of the two Libyans accused of sabotaging Pan Am Flight 103
On December 21st, 1998, which killed 270 lives en route to NYC
The Lockerbie bombing, the deadliest attack on American civilians
Before the 9/11 destruction, al Qaeda and friendly Saudi shenanigans.
Words of wisdom from the batik clad Madiba fluent in Afrikaans
“If the United States of America or Britain is having elections,
They don’t ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when
We have elections, they want observers.” What does that tell you?
As a U.S. House of Representatives, Dick Cheney voted against
A congressional resolution calling for Mandela’s release from prison.
Years later, Mandela would appropriately call Cheney a “dinosaur”.
Certainly he is in good company with President Bush a warmonger.
In 2003, Mandela attacked the foreign policy of George W. Bush
Criticizing the lack of UN involvement in the decision to go to war
Mandela urged Americans to join massive protests against Bush
Calling on world leaders, especially within the UN, to oppose him
“What I am condemning is that one power, with a president who has no
Foresight, who cannot think properly, is now wanting to plunge the world
Into a holocaust.” Mandela attacked the U.S. for its human rights abuses
Citing its dropping of atomic bombs on Japan during World War II
“If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities
In the world, it is the United States of America. They don’t care.”
“No one nation should be complainant, prosecutor and judge.”
Thank you mkhulu Mandela! We young activists won’t begrudge
Your heart, passion, struggle, and ideology we deeply love.
write by Merlin