Madiba – This is the name of the clan of which Mr
Mandela is a member. A clan name is much more important than a surname as it
refers to the ancestor from which a person is descended. Madiba was the name of
a Thembu chief who ruled in the Transkei
in the 18th century. It is considered very polite to use someone’s clan name.
You can learn so much more about Mr. Mandela at his foundation's site - HERE
Oprah Winfrey tells my favorite story about Nelson Mandela. During his last visit to the United States Oprah scheduled a full show devoted to interviewing Madiba and showing news footage of his struggles and achievements.
When he arrived at Harpo Studios Mr. Mandela was greeted by a very crowded green room; people were spilling out into the halls and all over the back stage area. As the producer walked him to the set entrance Mr. Mandela asked who else was scheduled to appear on that day's show. The producer was genuinely confused by the question. Madiba laughed at the expression on her face and said "I assume there will be more guests, these crowds cannot all be for me!"
Imagine that level of humility from a former President and someone who changed his country and the world.
I think that is the essence of Nelson Mandela's persona and it is that humanity that made him so great yet so relatable.
Whites and Blacks together in public was illegal during apartheid. This photo was taken outside of Madiba's home after the news of his death was announced.
Mr. Mandela often said that he survived his 27 years in prison by knowing that the work he had started was continuing outside.
He was powerful and loving.
And oh so full of joy.
There will never again be anyone like him.
I have read many comments about the passing of Nelson Mandela. None have moved me or spoken for me as much as this part of Muhammad Ali's tribute to Madiba.
"... What I will remember most about Mr.Mandela is that
he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained
by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and
revenge. He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the
rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever
free."
Peaceful Journey Madiba
Thank You
15 comments:
A wonderful tribute to an incredible man, Dianne! Thank you!!
I've read many beautiful tributes today. I knew yours would be the one that would touch most deeply. Beautifully said, Di. May he rest in peace.
When that many people love you, you must be doing something right. Lovely tribute to a great man. The world will miss him.
He sure changed a country and even the world a little.
Lovely tribute....
Very beautifully written.
Congratulations on the POTW.
Well said Dianne:)
Thank you for this. It's the first tribute I've read that captures the man so completely. I am crying tears of gratitude that we were given this wonderful man.
A humble man is hard to find these days. He was a treasure. Congrats on your POTW mention!
A beautiful tribute -- I think the loveliest of the many I read. Thanks Di.
A truly Beautiful tribute to this incredible man, my dear Dianne!
I think what saved him in those 27 years in prison and what was the thing that drove him in such a positive manner for all of his life---till the very last breath--- was his innate Humanity! Bless Him On His Journey.
The greatest figure of the last century. His impact can not be overstated.
I recently saw a documentary on Nelson Mandela, and was shocked to see the tiny size of his cell and learn of the hard manual labor he was force to do. To emerge from that and become president of South Africa? To keep his humility? To see the best in people? Nothing short of amazing and awe inspiring.
Such a moving tribute to a truly great and kind man!
Congratulations on winning Hilary's Post of the Week Award!
Wishing you happy and peaceful holidays,
Merisi
A great man in the true sense of the word.
A wonderful tribute to a man who has been my hero for so long!
I have been preoccupied with other things. Thank you for this post and for helping me to focus on what the world is currently sharing - the celebration of the life of this great man.
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