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Now He Is Gone
I am never a big fan of museums. Yet almost every overseas trip, I somehow find myself reading from glass cases to pictures with tiny inscriptions like what every good tourist does. It started out with the willingness and a learning posture to know more about the history and culture but usually a hasty end to the massive information overload. Can someone please summarise it for me?
Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon and hero for many South Africans died last year in 2013. His fight against apartheid, a racial segregation exhibited by the church and the state at that time led to his vision of racial equality in which everyone were to be treated equally regardless of their skin color were nothing less than a remarkable feat. A strong believer that Africans should be freed from white supremacy, mass protests and civil disobedience campaigns with necessary violence were led by him. However, it was this same fight that made him a prisoner for 27 years.
He never lost hope and in April 1994, he was elected South Africa first black president.
Optimists say that this story by South Africa is an inspiration to the rest of the African countries. Millions of blacks have been educated and now belong to the middle class. However Rev Desmond Tutu, often described as the country's moral beacon feels that his successors haven fallen short of the moral example and high standards set forth by Mandela.
Nelson Mandela's death left many South Africans to wonder what is next for this rainbow nation. Leaders must rise and pick up the gloves. A legacy that must continue. They must fill up the void left by this fighter who never lost faith in the cause and showed immense love for the people. Now the control is in their hands, with 'one man one vote' policy, the next icon must address a new problem that can unite the people once again.
After watching videos of torque and abuse, pictures of massive pain and suffering, I cannot help but ask God, "Who is in control? Why is the cost of freedom so high?"
Will I show that same love for my fellow Singaporeans and exhibit the undying faith and hope for a cause?
