Nelson Mandela

Unkosi Rholihlahla Mandela,

born into the Madiba clan in the village of Qunu

grow up in Mvezo in Umtata,Transkei

Dalibhunga, the prince of the Tembu tribe

son of umama Nonqaphi Nosekeni

son of Nkosi Hendry Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela

 

father of South African freedom

ward of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo

at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni

acting regent of the Thembu nation

boy from the Thembu royal homestead

icon of peace and justice.

 

sun that rises in the grim atmosphere

commander-in-chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe

dedicated himself to the struggle of the African people

South Africa’s greatest son

the greatest leader of our time

the giant of the South African history

the Son of Africa’s children

 

uBawomkhulu,

the man who pioneered the new patriotism in this unique country

the principal of his destiny

the commander of his soul

he represented hope and freedom

through his dignity, through his triumph, he inspired millions

the father of our nation

 

He who will live on in the hearts & minds of people throughout the world

the one who cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society

he who  taught us reconciliation

he who  embraced his enemies

one of the brightest lights of our world has gone out

a great tree has fallen

the son of a Tembu tribal chieftain is gone

 

Siyakuhlonipha

Tata Sizokukhumbula

Hamba kahle Tata!

 

By Seth Yuhi Musinga