PHOTO | BBC
On Sunday, Africa bid its final farewell to one of its most illustrious sons, Nelson Mandela.
The
continent now embarks on a journey of redefining its place in the world
without him. The passing of Mandela ought to provide the leaders and
the people of Africa with a sober moment of reflection about the future
they would like to build for their children and the society they would
wish to bequeath to posterity.
Mandela’s passing comes
at a time when Africa is full of promise. However, for that promise to
be fully actualised, the leadership ought to embrace the ideals that
would lead to the creation of just and democratic Africa where each
citizen has a decent chance to improve his life and live in dignity.
The
poor in Africa are beset by many challenges often compounded by
conflict. These are some of the challenges that the continent’s
leadership should aspire to address now and in the near future to set
Africa and its people on a path of peace, progress, and prosperity.
The
challenge is, therefore, on the whole of the continent to find ways to
contribute towards making Africa a better place for the current as well
as the future generations as one way of honouring Mandela’s legacy.
Mandela
was an icon of the possibilities that are within the grasp of Africa.
He not only believed in justice and freedom, he worked hard to make them
a reality in his lifetime.
If more leaders of all
levels in Africa emulated his selfless example, they would make a great
contribution to the continent and leave legacies to be remembered for
years to come.
All they need is the political
goodwill, the commitment to higher ideals, and a dedication to improving
the welfare of their people while eschewing self-aggrandisement.
Mandela has demonstrated that this can be done. Will our leaders learn from him?
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