Together we have travelled a long road to be where we are today. This has been a road of struggle against colonial and apartheid oppression.
Thabo MbekiRead
As we mourn President Mandela’s passing we must ask ourselves the fundamental question - what shall we do to respond to the tasks of building a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa, a people-centred society free of hunger, poverty, disease and inequality, as well as Africa’s renaissance, to whose attainment President Nelson Mandela dedicated his whole life?
Interpretation
The quote calls for reflection and action in honoring Mandela's legacy by working towards a just and equitable society.
Thabo Mbeki's quote highlights the importance of reflecting on Nelson Mandela's contributions and legacy after his passing. It challenges us to consider our own responsibilities in creating a democratic and equitable South Africa, advocating for a society characterized by fairness and prosperity for all. The call to action emphasizes the collective effort needed to overcome societal issues such as hunger, poverty, disease, and inequality, while also striving for a broader renaissance in Africa.
In practice
During a speech at a human rights conference.
Together we have travelled a long road to be where we are today. This has been a road of struggle against colonial and apartheid oppression.
A global human society, characterised by islands of wealth, surrounded by a sea of poverty, is unsustainable
Many of our own people here in this country do not ask about computers, telephones and television sets. They ask - when will we get a road to our village.
South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
Our experience over the last 20 years has shown that indeed people must themselves become their own liberators. You cannot wait for somebody else to come and rescue you.
Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times.
All I want is compliance with my wishes, after reasonable discussion.
The quality of ideas seems to play a minor role in mass movement leadership. What counts is the arrogant gesture, the complete disregard of the opinion of others, the singlehanded defiance of the world.
Leaders don't look backwards to condemn what has already been done; they look forward to create a better future.
The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot.
All power is lodged in, and consequently derived from, the people. We should wear it as a breastplate, and buckle it on as our armour.
And I'd say one of the great lessons I've learned over the past couple of decades, from a management perspective, is that really when you come down to it, it really is all about people and all about leadership.
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