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.
I only met Margaret Thatcher twice. The thing that I thought about meeting her was how extraordinarily intelligent she was. You really had to be on your game otherwise she'd make mincemeat of you.
The leader's main job is to make themselves obsolete.
Listening can make the difference between a mediocre organization and a great one.
A boss who micromanages is like a coach who wants to get in the game. Leaders guide and support and then sit back to cheer from the sidelines.
Learn to lead in a nourishing manner. _x000D_ _x000D_ Learn to lead without being possessive. _x000D_ _x000D_ Learn to be helpful without taking the credit. _x000D_ _x000D_ Learn to lead without coercion.
When a president makes life and death decisions, he should draw strength and wisdom from broad and deep experience with the reasons for and the risks of committing our children to our defense. For no matter how many others are involved in the decision, the president is a lonely man in a dark room when the casualty reports come in.
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