STATEMENT: Union of Muslim Students' Association remembers and honours Nelson Mandela

6 December 2013

STATEMENT: UNION OF MUSLIM STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION REMEMBERS AND HONOURS NELSON MANDELA

               
The Union of Muslim Students’ Association would like to express extreme sadness at the passing away of anti apartheid stalwart and Former President Mr Nelson Mandela, who passed away last night, 5 December 2013, at the age of 95. Nelson Mandela, a beloved leader of our nation, was a global icon of the struggle for freedom and compassionate leadership, and his passing is indeed a great loss to South Africa and the world. The MSA sends its condolences to the Mandela family during this difficult period, and to our nation as a whole.

Nelson Mandela, also known as Tata Madiba, stood firmly against injustice and oppression and sacrificed 27 years of his life in prison with other struggle heroes and freedom fighters. His commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice extended beyond South Africa’s liberation from the oppressive apartheid regime as he continued to dedicate his life towards humanity and humanitarian causes post-1994. The legacy he leaves behind is one of reconciliation, struggle and hope, which will undoubtedly echo through the generations to continue to inspire South Africans to contribute to building a nation that lives true to his legacy.

Mandela’s persistent struggle for freedom earned him the world’s respect, yet his humility, compassion and humanity earned him the world’s love. A person of Madiba’s stature and the immense dignity with which he led and conducted all his affairs is a scarcity, and we are a generation fortunate enough to witness the possibility that we can truly live united and tolerant of others. To dedicate a life in the service of humanity is an inherently Islamic concept that we have a responsibility and duty to carry out.

We are truly and wholeheartedly grateful to Madiba for his role in enabling us to have religious freedom to live and prosper as Muslims, amidst a host of other things, in this country, and we pray that future leaders will strive to embody the same compassion and vision for which Mandela had strove.

In the words of Thabo Mbeki, Mandela's passing should remind us to commit ourselves selflessly to address the many challenges we face in today’s times."President Mandela and his generation discovered the mission of their generation. They were at all times faithful to it, as a result of which they fulfilled it.

Let us continue to remember the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the ideals he stood for, and let us continue to commit to striving towards our collective ideals for a better South Africa and a better world. Today we honour, appreciate and remember Nelson Mandela.

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” ― Nelson Mandela

Issued by Union of Muslim Students’ Associations

For more information, contact:

Yusuf Talia, President of Union of Muslim Students’ Associations, yusuf.talia@hotmail.com, 071 677 2391

Khadeeja Manjra, Vice President of Union of Muslim Students’ Associations, kmanjra@gmail.com, 071 351 2094