I spent my teenage years as a member of The Anti-Apartheid Movement, much to my South African grandmother's amusement; I organised a charity ball at school to raise money for the cause, and am forever thankful to my headmistress for fending off the irate parents who objected to such a political stance. I was at the International Tribute For A Free South Africa concert with my sister, and cheered until we lost our voices. In 2001 I went to South Africa and visited Robben Island, I was completely overwhelmed by the inhumanity.
The world is a better place because of Nelson Mandela.
RIP xxx
I was at the 1988 concert. I couldn't agree more, a truly remarkable man. RIP
ReplyDeleteI just got chills and also added another reason to my list if why I love you.
ReplyDeleteSo well said and I am glad to have a friend who puts herself out there for the right thing. He was a great man and shall always be remembered.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Diane! He was a fantastic human being, the world is poorer today.
ReplyDeleteHis capacity for forgiveness was inspirational. Bravo to your younger self! x
ReplyDeleteHe was a giant among men! Jxo
ReplyDeleteWell said Xxx
ReplyDeleteI totally agree and I hope that we can all keep his legacy alive by following his examples.
ReplyDeleteOh teenage Hadley you are amazing!
ReplyDeleteDid you see this programme on C4 last night? I think you'd really like it if you missed it. http://www.channel4.com/programmes/nelson-mandela-superstar/4od#3621771. Think this is part of a series but I really enjoyed it :)
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great statement about the kind of person you are! Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteWell said and it's because of Nelson Mandela's fight for freedom that my daughter and her husband were able to adopt Zulu babies and I have those wonderful grandsons
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! This makes the life of a great man one of a story how a great man affect many!
ReplyDeleteEsther
esthersipatchandquilt@yahoo.com
ipatchandquilt.wordpress.com
I lived in South Africa for 6 months a few years ago, and did a couple of tours of things involving Nelson Mandela. One of the friends I had there, an elderly lady, didn't understand all these things either, 'such a waste of time', 'why rake up the past', 'what on earth are they telling you?' I think she'd have got on well with your grandmother! It was Amnesty for me at school :oD
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to a truly remarkable man. I couldn't agree more, Hadley, he was inspirational in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteOne of my first 'political' memories is of the freeing of Nelson Maldela. (I was still in Primary School!) He did so much good for the world.
ReplyDeleteI, however, haven't shed a single tear at he news of his death, as I believe that he still alive and well in this world that he changed - in the hearts and minds of those whom where touched by his message. I think that this is a time to rejoice in his life and not to be too upset that a man who worked so hard throughout his life is finally allowed to rest.
Unfortunately we still have far to go. I live in the depths of rural Wales and far too often am reminded of how backwards some of my neighbours can be :-(