dew of our dawn
the salt pan
of our origins
may have long dried
but the same salinity
still rises from our pores
eugene skeef 151213
Nelson Mandela the wisest of all Guru Ji freedom fighters,
in the modern era, he is in our hearts and souls forever...
He never buckled from his principles, standing firm in fighting racism
and inequality. In later life his warm smile and honest eyes became
a symbol of real forgiveness and togetherness.
Although racism and inequality continue to stain society,
thinking of the mighty Madiba brings wisdom to how we handle such
matters.
Nelson Mandela Sahib is simply an iconic symbol of real humanity
with resonating and infinite Love.
Skinder Hundal
CEO, New Art Exchange
Nelson Mandela is a great icon of integrity,
strength and love for humanity.
He exemplifies wisdom in his cause by knowing when to fight,
when to make peace and when to build.
Edwin Maxwell MBE
Chair, New Art Exchange
Mandela: moments with his image
The only time I saw my dad with tears in his eyes was at an ANC event marking
Mandela's 60th birthday still in prison. Mandela's face on posters either side of the
stage was a symbol of endurance, of determination to continue. Growing up in
Dar es Salaam, on the frontline of the ANC struggle, I heard exiles speak of their time
in prison, what they learned there and of the lead shown by Mandela. In the 70s,
non-violent transition still seemed beyond our dreams: Mandela's conviction gave
people the courage to fight the apartheid system.
Watching Mandela's release on TV I was shocked by the difference from that familiar
image of his face decades ago. Afterwards South Africans spontaneously gathered in
Trafalgar Square. We had come to the place we'd used to express our outrage and
injustice. Now we danced in the rain together no longer turning our faces away from
the cameras on South Africa House. It felt good to be there sharing hope and joy and
to recognise in this way how so many British people had joined the cause against
apartheid.
I finally got an actual glimpse of Mandela when he came to the UK. How far the
world had come to meet him. At school I had hidden my links to the ANC, then
categorised as terrorist by the UK government. Now working in London at the
National Gallery, I was officially given time off along with my colleagues to stand
outside and see Mandela across the crowds.
The man, Nelson Mandela, a force for change and father of a new nation, seems now
a still, fixed point in the march of history, his very presence outweighing his actions.
I am glad he was allowed to die with dignity without the eyes of the world upon him:
it enabled him to continue to play his role as a symbol of strength, determination and
hope for the new South African future.
He was renowned the world over as the undisputed icon of
forgiveness and reconciliation, and everybody wanted a piece of him.
We South Africans basked in his reflected glory.
Desmond Tutu
retired Anglican Bishop, South Africa
He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale.
His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows.
His is now forever free.
Muhammad Ali
Ex Heavy Weight World Champion Boxer
Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honour,
unconquerable strength and unyielding resolve – a saint to many,
a hero to all who treasures liberty, freedom
and the dignity of humankind.
Morgan Freeman
Actor
Reyhan King
Board Trustee, New Art Exchange
Nelson Mandela was a great teacher who taught by example.
He sacrificed so much for freedom, equality, democracy and justice.
He created hope when there was none.
He touched the heart and soul of millions of people.
He truly was the man of the people where his life was a service to others.
He was the ultimate symbol of dignity,
dedication to a struggle of freedom and justice.
He was a prophet of unity, peace and reconciliation.
He inspired young people to fight for independence and social justice.
He was the pride of the African people.
He was a humble man who gave himself to the world.
Thank you Madiba you are a great inspiration and you will
be remembered forever!
Simmy Hundal
Social worker
I first heard about Nelson Mandela in 1984 after hearing
Free Nelson Mandela by The Special AKA.
I soon learnt and this is apart of his legacy - he was a man of integrity,
principle and was an incredible spokesperson for a peaceful world.
Hardish Virk
DJ and Arts Marketing Consultant
The suggestion of thinking beyond my own selfish needs
as a male in his mid-twenties.
A cohesive figurehead for the most significant campaign for change.
Mike Stubbs
Director of FACT
You have touched many hearts and minds of ordinary people,
your compassion and wisdom will always be remembered,
a true African legend of our time, may you rest in peace,
we will always remember you, your infectious smile,
and above all your humanity – we will miss you dearly!
Alnoor Mitha
Director of Asian Triennial Manchester
a flower for the people
In his lifetime he showed sheer generosity of spirit
to forgive and to move forward for change,
uniting people towards justice and equality.
Max Kandhola
Artist
The life of Nelson Mandela reminds us that
there is no injustice that cannot be overcome
and that we should all strive for nobler ideals,
higher purposes and a bigger, better politics.
Chris Leslie
a child walking by
sees
a flower
growing steadfast
through iron bars
she asks
why is that flower there
because it is a symbol
of undying love
the power to grow
beyond the enclosure
and reach
the sun
to ignite a fire
in the hearts
of one
and all
MP
Eugene Skeef , 2013
Nelson Mandela showed that forgiveness is a powerful way to bring
change and heal differences. His leadership and courage in the face of
adversity should act as a lesson for us all, never give up, believe that
things can change and our actions do make a lasting impact.
Nigel Hawkins
Head of Culture , Nottingham City Council
Nelson Mandela was a focus for hope and inspiration through
the difficult struggles in the 1980s against Apartheid
and the Thatcher government.
Mike Layward
Co-Director of DASH Arts
No-one is born hating another person
because of the colour of his skin,
or his background, or his religion.
People must learn to hate,
and if they can learn to hate,
they can be taught to love,
for love comes more naturally
to the human heart
than its opposite.
Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
This quote from Nelson Mandela transcends all humanity
Selected by Lorna Holder
Board Trustee , New Art Exchange
Mandela was a powerful example of the unquenchable optimism,
and resilience of the human spirit, even under the most comprehensive
repression. He had that “Vision thing” in a way that makes most
politicians and leaders look blind.
As a visionary he showed the world that good
(with sufficient effort and conviction) would triumph over evil.
His ability to transcend his own circumstances,
and see the bigger picture,
to forgive and reconcile, to keep his mind clear,
and his character dignified, his heart open…
No-one can be perfect (let’s leave that to the gods), but Mandela was an
extraordinary man … and that’s what he means to me.
David Sillitoe
Photographer and Broadcaster
For much of what Mandela represents I cannot even begin to imagine
I could not dare to articulate.
I have no words at all. I'm not qualified.
I am of course still inspired by Mandela's willingness to Act,
to Speak out and go Fight.
When I read his 1964 Rivonia speech it resonates so profoundly
that almost 50 years after its first utterance it carries harrowing
and contemporary relevance:
“The other main obstacle to the economic advancement of the African
is the industrial colour-bar under which all the better jobs of industry
are reserved for whites only.
The lack of human dignity experienced by Africans is the direct result
of the policy of white supremacy.
White supremacy implies black inferiority.
Legislation designed to preserve white supremacy entrenches
this notion.
Menial tasks in South Africa are invariably performed by Africans.
When anything has to be carried or cleaned the white man will look
around for an African to do it for him, whether
the African is employed by
him or not. Because of this sort of attitude, whites tend to regard
Africans as a separate breed…
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all
persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is
an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an
ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Nelson Mandela
(Statement from the dock at the opening of the defence case in the Rivonia Trial)
Palace of Justice, Pretoria Supreme Court Pretoria South Africa, 20 April, 1964
He taught us the true meaning of forgiveness . After every thing he and
the people of South Africa, both black and white had endured, he became
the better man for all mankind.
Lenroy Guiste
Artist
In the early 80s my friends and I were aware and supportive of the
anti-apartheid movement but it was the release of The Special
AKA's "Free Nelson Mandela" that really brought it all home
and raised my awareness of him as a voice for change.
Even after Mandela had been released and to the present day it is
one of those songs that I find myself singing in the shower!
It sounds corny but it is true that someone like Nelson Mandela
can never really die because his message of world peace and the
fellowship of all people will resonate for as long as we are around.
Like many, I am deeply grateful for everything he did.
Peter Knott
ACE Area Director for the Midlands
Mandela was a kind human being. He had a kind warm smile that
inspired hope and a better future for the children of Africa
Simba
Artist
Mark Sealy MBE
Director Autograph ABP
Nelson's death took me back to when I was 16 years old in 1980.
It was a time when I was regularly involved in anti apartheid demonstrations outside the South African embassy in London.
I was young and impressionable and alongside Martin Luther King,
Malcolm X and Gandhi, Nelson Mandela was responsible
for shaping my political and spiritual outlook on life.
He taught me about forgiveness and compassion but also about
fighting for what you believe in with integrity and determination.
A colossal man who will be missed deeply.
Shad Ali
Community activist
As with other historic events in my life, I will always remember
the moment when I heard the news of Nelson Mandela’s death on the
night of 5th December 2013. Waiting for Question Time to begin ,
I was initially a little irritated that the BBC news was running late,
however, after only a few seconds it became clear that the world had
stood still to pay homage to one of the greatest moral leaders of the
20th Century and tributes from around the world started pouring in.
I will always remember Nelson Mandela for his dignity,
grace and humility and a commitment to stand up for Human Rights
against overwhelming opposition.
This is a time to celebrate his life and continue his legacy
by speaking against injustice and inequality whenever and
wherever we encounter it in our lives.
Saira Lloyd
member of Emvan
I first saw Madiba in 1990 while in South Africa and again in 1996,
when I had the opportunity to photograph his birthday parties given in
honour of veterans of the South African liberation struggle.
While visiting Robin Island with former prisoners I heard first-hand
stories about his time in the ANC and also while in prison on
Robin Island.
Eddie Dannels a 'coloured' and member of the Liberal Party spoke
with tears in his eyes of the time on Robin Island when he was ill
and wasn't able to empty his toilet bucket. Madiba who could have
ordered anyone in the prison to empty the bucket, instead after
inquiring of Eddie's health emptied the bucket himself.
Dignity, humility, order, discipline, and a science of fair play are a
few of the many qualities I have learnt from
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 'Madiba' and are some of the qualities
I strive to live by.
Vanley Burke
Artist
We know too well that our freedom is incomplete
without the freedom of the Palestinians
Nelson Mandela
Selected by Alex Farquharson
Drector of Nottingham Contemporary
As in a darkened room,
All the lights went out.
For Nelson Mandela
Inside.
All the lights went out.
Outside, the flames in the sky
Only blind my watery eye.
To my father, my brother, so I childishly say
Where do we go… which way?
For with you came my childhood,
My youth and my dream.
And you left, I’m not ready
I am lost and unsteady.
As I look to the sky,
To which star can I pray?
And will still morning come?
Chase the shadows away?
Father to one, and father to all
As I rise,
So I fall…
… yet I know you will be there, behind me
There to guide and remind me
Find me
when I have lost me.
Sooree Pillay, Dec 2013
NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA
1918-2013
Rest In Peace