We must continue our efforts to turn our hopes into reality

Former President Nelson Mandela’s words “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success” should be a motivation for all. Most of us know by now who this noble peace laureate and former statesman is. South Africa’s very own icon someone that not just South Africans but people all around the globe look up to. Movies have been made about him and in others they mention his name. Even books have been written about him and what he did.

The United Nations in November 2009 declared Madiba’s birthday Nelson Mandela International Day. In response to this Mandela wrote to the United Nations saying “It is my wish that the day be used not to honour an individual, but rather to remember the millions who have contributed to the struggle for freedom throughout the world.” On this day people all around the globe are asked to dedicate 67minutes, the amount of years Madiba dedicate his live to improving the lives of others, to do something good in their communities.  Mandela hails from South Africa and it is thus only right that we set an example.

He set an example when with his inauguration as first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa he said “there shall be a social order which respect completely the culture, language and religious rights of all sectors of our society and the fundamental rights of the individual.” Something we don’t always (most times) succeed in, but Madiba knew this would happen because he also said “the task will not be easy. This needs unity. It needs action. It requires us all to work together to bring an end to division, an end to suspicion and build a nation united in our diversity.”

In his last speech to the first democrat parliament of South Africa as president, Mandela cautioned us that the long will continues. He mentioned new voices of men and women who exist in all communities, who will define themselves as leaders by their capacity to identify the issues that unite us as a nation. Madiba called on all saying together, we must continue our efforts to turn our hopes into reality.

Watching the final Oprah Winfrey show that took more than two shows, with a range of celebrities and politicians taking part, I couldn’t help but wonder if this is how people honor Oprah then how will, no how can we honor Tata.

This is my conclusion; all around us we see the needs in our communities. Unemployment, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, corruption, violence, etc… Let’s start using our 67minutes every second of every minute during each hour of every day of the month during the year to make a difference by changing these hurdles in society.

Let’s tell our friends:

• Of the dangers of drugs,
• Using protection when having sex and the consequences if you don’t (being HIV, teenage pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases and infections)
• Educate one to create employment opportunities and or to assist those seeking.
• Be the eyes and ears of the long arm of the law, by going to the police and tell them if you see a crime.
• Not to make yourself guilty on corruption or violence
• Never to judge

Friends let us honor Madiba by living our lives with integrity, dignity and always being on our knees praying for fellow mankind.