Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. I've always loved this saying. It rings so true, particularly in the case of inspirational figures like Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. Despite the fact that they have all sadly passed away, their teachings cross time and cultures with an eternal message.
Highlighting this, I was recently moved by a story about a wonderful young boy from Australia, who on graduating from primary school told the tale of Nelson Mandela to his year group. Oli Dower painted a picture of the hardships and the struggles that Madiba fought on the road to end Apartheid in South Africa. While many of Oli's peers live privileged lives, and are too young to remember Madiba, he emphasised that they all had something in common.
"Non Nobis Solum", he mouthed the words of his school's Latin motto. Not for ourselves alone. This was the mantra that these young boys had lived by for the past seven years. These were the words emblazoned on their school uniforms. This was the phrase they said with pride at school assemblies. And it perfectly summed up Nelson Mandela's attitude to life. He lived not for himself alone, but instead fighting for the rights of all.
Image from Virgin Unite
Nelson Mandela was one of the most admired leaders the world has ever known; and while decades, culture and miles separate him from Oli's class, his messages and actions have the power to educate and unite not only Oli's generation, but generations to come.
Image from Virgin.com
I was lucky enough to call Madiba a good friend; he was a wonderful teacher and remains a constant inspiration. Today would have been his 97th birthday. Today and everyday, I am heartened that people haven't forgotten about all he did for South Africa, and in turn the world. I hope young and old continue to heed Madiba's words and actions, and live out his tremendous dream for equality.
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