President Cyril Ramaphosa says Nelson Mandela understood that pure militancy was not enough to achieve liberation in South Africa, but that good organisation and discipline was also required.
He has paid a glowing tribute to the founding democratic President Nelson Mandela as a true revolutionary, who would be highly aggrieved to see racism rearing its ugly head in South Africa and the world.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the 100th anniversary commemoration of Mandela’s birthday at Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.
He said Madiba would be happy to see that no African child is denied tertiary education, due to a lack of fees.
Mandela would have turned 100 today.
Celebrations and ceremonies have been taking place around the country – with the main event currently under way at Mvezo. The event also received messages of support former presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma among others.
Ramaphosa says Mandela also understood the need for introspection and reflection. He says Madiba acknowledged his own failings.
The President says South Africans are called upon to speak against the degeneration of Madiba’s values of non-racialism and selflessness.
Ramaphosa says had he lived to see today, Madiba would have been worried at the incidents of racism that has characterised the country.
President Ramaphosa has also strongly criticised those who often call former President Nelson Mandela a sell-out.
In the past, some in the ANC and others including EFF leader Julius Malema have said Madiba sold out on the revolution. But Ramaphosa has joined former President Jacob Zuma in saying Madiba has done a lot to liberate the country from the bondage of apartheid.
Watch the full speech:
