You are in our hearts
- By Wits University
THE PASSING OF TATA NELSON MANDELA: A TRIBUTE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
The University of the Witwatersrand extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the father of our nation and an international icon, who passed away on Thursday, 5 December 2013 at the age of 95. May his soul rest in peace.
Founding president of democratic South Africa, Tata Nelson Mandela changed the world as we know it. He has left a legacy that will benefit and inspire generations to come. He set an example for the rest of the world and created history on his journey through life.
We must celebrate his humility, his principles, his commitment to justice, peace and freedom during this time and we must never forget the values for which he fought so hard and for which he was prepared to die.
Tata Madiba, we walk in your footsteps, we are guided by your principles, and we live by your humanity. You are with us today, and your contribution as an alumnus of our University, as a fellow South African, as a comrade, and as the father of our young nation, is etched in history, and will live on forever.
The father of our nation, Madiba was Wits University’s most illustrious student and alumnus. He was a close friend of the University and blessed us with his presence over the years in several roles - as a student, a politician, an activist, as an Honorary graduate, as a President, a Nobel prize-winner, a guest and as a world leader.
Wits University bestowed an upon Nelson Mandela in 1991 for his ‘commitment to justice (which) drew him out of his profession and into national leadership’.
You were of us, but you belonged to the world. You lived amongst us now, but your legacy will inspire for eternity.
Hamba kahle Tata - You are in our hearts.
Professor Adam Habib
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
STATEMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF CONVOCATION
The Executive Committee of Convocation of the University of the Witwatersrand mourns the death of Wits Alumni and first President of democratic South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
We pay tribute to this great leader who taught us what servant leadership is really about. With his courage, tenacity and patience, he led our country towards democracy during a difficult time. While he was humble he also had incredible presence and influence; he made us understand that true leadership is not just about leading only those who agree with us or are like us. He taught us that the real test of our leadership comes when we have to work with those we do not like or those who do not always agree with us.
He met, listened and engaged with South Africans of all cultures and political persuasions, from the AWB to the Ximoko party, irrespective of their representation (or not) in parliament. Mr Mandela was a true Witsie who understood the importance of diversity in building a vibrant democracy in our country. He epitomised the human spirit in its complexity, diversity and optimism.
We pay tribute to his memory, send our condolences to the family and share the sense of loss felt by all true South Africans and freedom loving citizens of the world.
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
President of Convocation
(on behalf of the Executive Committee of Convocation)