It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Nelson Mandela passed away. I can still remember Nathan waking me up to tell me the news. Him and I sitting and watching it break on TV. Flicking between the channels. Will always be one of those 'Where were you moments...'
While he wasn't a perfect man, nobody is, he did leave us with lessons which we can all learn from. The power of forgiveness. The sacrifice of personal life for the greater good of the country. The generosity of spirit. The love of children.
I hope people look back on his life and don't idolise him but rather appreciate the messages he tried to convey. The ethics of hard work. Of compromise for the greater good. Of working for a better future for everybody, not just a few. Don't see him for the party he represented. Rather see him for the humanity he represented. It could not have been easy.
May you rest in peace Mr Mandela, knowing you did your bit here on earth. You deserve no less than a peaceful, restful sleep.