 |
| AMECEA delegates at the main entrance to Robben Island |
A reflection from AMECEA Social Communications Secretary, Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga who visited Robben Island in June 24, 2013–the Prison where Mandela spent 18 years in Prison.
The world is mourning the death of Great Man; Most esteemed Statesman Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday 5thDecember 2013 at the age of 95. Mandela had been suffering for almost a year from lung illness that dated back to the 27 years he spent in prison.
In June this year myself and two colleagues from AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi: Fr Ferdinand Lugonzo, AMECEA Secretary General and Fr Jude Waweru, Justice and Peace Coordinator attended a workshop organized by the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops in Southern Africa (IMBISA) in Cape Town. Being close to Robben Island, it was unthinkable to leave Cape Town without having a chance to visit the Island –a place where Mandela spent 18 years as a Prisoner.
 |
| The Prison cell where Nelson Mandela lived 18 years as a prisoner |
In short, Robben Island was a seclusion place which, apart from being a military and political prison, sometimes back, the island also functioned as a quarantine station. Lepers were housed on the island; mentally ill patients were hospitalized there as well as those with chronic illnesses who were also hospitalized on the island.
For sure if you get there, you will definitely feel what Mandela went through for the 18 years he spent there as a prisoner. What touched me most after the visit is that “Legacy of Love, Reconciliation and Forgiveness” which Mandela preached immediately after his release and even when he became the first Black President of South Africa.
The death of Mandela is not considered as a sudden one because of recurring problem of lungs however, it has created emotions not only to South Africans but to the world at large. People from around the globe are in grief for this giant man, who taught us in practical ways about Love, Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
His “Legacy of Love, Reconciliation and Forgiveness,” is what will make him be remembered as a ‘Hero’ of African continent who persevered in suffering in order to bring Peace to his people. No wonder that his funeral is going to be a Worldly Event, because of the touch Mandela has with the people globally.
His “Legacy of Love, Reconciliation and Forgiveness,” is what will make him be remembered as a ‘Hero’ of African continent who persevered in suffering in order to bring Peace to his people. No wonder that his funeral is going to be a Worldly Event, because of the touch Mandela has with the people globally.
If somebody wants to teach people about forgiveness, then Mandela’s life is an example to go by. After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela forgave the enemies who put him in prison where he was tasked with manual labour that escalated the deterioration of his health. Even when he became the President of South Africa in 1994, Mandela did not think of reprisal, instead he put himself to the task offorging a new nation from the racial injustices left over from apartheid, making reconciliation and forgiveness the theme of his time in office.
Mandela changed from an advocate of armed resistance to apartheid of 1960s to a Preacher of Love, Reconciliation and Forgiveness. When you see people living peacefully together it is not that they had not wronged each other, nor they have forgotten the past, rather they have FORGIVEN each other. 'Without forgiveness there is no Future.'
The hallmark of Mandela is that of Hope and Unity that try to heal the wounds of the past. In that way he becomes a model for other African leaders whose countries are devastated by civil conflict.
The other unique thing about Mandela is the 'Peaceful Handing Over of Power' to younger leaders in 1999. Moving from a cell in Robben Island to State house, could make someone think that it was an opportune time to enjoy for the rest of his life. Contrary, Mandela served only one term and then handed over power to younger leaders whom he thought could to the country to the next level in terms of development, unity and peace. This is a great challenge to our African leaders, the majority of whom tend to cling to power in either way.
Let us all learn from Mandela.
Let us all learn from Mandela.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications