Mandela - the PEACE Icon

"I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself"

Nelson Mandela

We cannot be untouched by the news that Nelson Mandela has been admitted to a private clinic in South Africa where his health is at stake.

Nelson Mandela became the icon for ending the Apartheids-era and white people that has been laid to rest since, who made South Africa the black sheep of the world.  One could easily be convinced by the media that South Africa was the only country to enforce this malpractice. Easily forgotten are the after effects of the Boer War and a nation being forced to speak and write only English. Children in schools had to stand in corners with a notice DONKEY pinned to their chests if they dared to speak their mother tongue.

During the Boer War farms were burnt down and women and children imprisoned in concentration camps were circumstances were desperate, leading to low survival rates. It is believed that the Khakis couldn't win the war until Canadian soldiers joined in. 

Since the ending of Apartheid in 1994 farmers and families has been brutally murdered, schools and hospitals burnt down and riots left a blood trail amongst all races (Murder Statistics). The Western Cape came under attack as recently as November 2012 where vineyards and cornfields went up in flames.

Many professionals left the country. They gave up their pensions, families, heritage and love for the land to ensure a future for their children in countries where law and order are enforced. Afrikaans became a distant memory of the mother tongue. Immigration might sound like fun, but to work in and adapt to a new culture is to be constantly reminded that one made a heartbreaking choice and have to stick to this.

South Africa is a land of splendour. The scenery, the people, the traditions and cultures, the climate and abundance of fresh produce a treasure. 

Nelson Mandela had a vision for this - he referred to his people as a RAINBOW nation. His admittance to the private clinic brings home the ideals that he stood for and reminds us of the dream he had and when every South African shared this dream.

Apartheid is over. 

It is time to live the peace that the world leader envisioned, ensuring that every single person in the nation sees the rainbow and reaps the fruit of a land that harbors magnificence.

Not bouquets and wishes, but taking hands, is how we can all honour to the icon.

"It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela