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From townships to more upscale neighborhoods in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday hailed Nelson Mandela's legacy, with vibrant tributes from former Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Barack Obama to the global icon of wrestling against apartheid, which would have been 100 years old on July 18.
Every year, the "Mandela Day", which coincides with the birth of "Madiba" in the village of Mvezo (southeast), is celebrated in the "Rainbow nation" with charitable actions and speeches
"Act, inspire change, make each day a Mandela Day," urges the foundation that bears his name. For the centennial of her birth, she saw big by inviting former US President Barack Obama.
"Most people in the world remember Mandela as an old man with (white) hair like mine, "he told some 200 young people in Johannesburg on Wednesday for leadership training.
But" he started trying to liberate his country when he was still a very young man. He was your age. He inspired me and I started, "he said, calling on young people to do the same. "Find a way to not sell your soul, but you must always get involved in politics," he urged.
The day before, during a speech at a stadium in Johannesburg, culmination Celebrations in tribute to "Madiba", Barack Obama recalled "the wave of hope that swept the world" to the release of Nelson Mandela February 2, 1990, after twenty-seven years behind bars.
– New notes –
Four years later, without bloodshed after decades of a white racist regime, Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa, a post he occupied until 1999.
"Thanks to his sacrifice and his resolute leadership, and perhaps even more thanks to his moral example, Mandela (…) has personalized the aspirations of the dispossessed," said Barack Obama, saluting , in front of some 15,000 the memory of a "true giant of history."
The entire South African nation has come to terms with Mandela, with shows, exhibitions, sports competitions, book publishing, printing new tickets to his effigy or making giant cakes, distribution of blankets and bicycles.
Desmond Tutu, companion of struggle of "Madiba", greeted on Wednesday a man "perfect example of humanity". "The principles that have led his life are universal principles of love, justice, respect for others," said the 86-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner in a video broadcast by his foundation.
The most extraordinary thing about Mandela (who died in 2013) was his ability to be like ordinary mortals, "he insisted, though he confessed to having had disagreements with him.
" We were not always agree, "he said, smiling. "His style of dress, for example. I told him he had to wear a suit and a tie for special occasions, instead of his colorful shirts. He replied, in a style of his own: + And this criticism comes from a man who wears a public purple chasuble!
– "Promised Land" –
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, protected by Nelson Mandela, celebrated the memory of "Madiba" in his native village of Mvezo, where he inaugurated a clinic
Nelson Mandela "has led us since the savagery of conflict and oppression to the promised land, a land of freedom, democracy and equality", he said.
But A quarter of a century after the fall of apartheid, racism is still fueling tensions, poverty persists, and the economy is slipping into South Africa, the most unequal country in the world according to the World Bank.
Some questioned the successors of "Madiba" and the corruption that has won the highest summit of the state, notably under the presidency of Jacob Zuma (2009-2018).
Others, more rare, go as far as treating it from "sold" to the white minority, which still holds the ess
Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of "Madiba", was outraged Wednesday of these positions. "It's really disgusting, especially given the sacrifices he made," she said. "I think when people can not solve their problems, they go after him because he's no longer there to defend himself."
