Nelson Mandela was freed from prison on 11 February 1990. Five weeks later, on 19 March 1990, on his first trip out of South Africa, he came to Stockholm to visit Oliver Tambo who was recovering from surgery. I too, was there to see Oliver Tambo before continuing on to Windhoek, Namibia to witness the birth of a new African nation. Like many who supported the cause of African Liberation from colonial occupation, I had always been moved by Mandel’s statement from his treason trial, “ Democracy is an ideal I wish to live for, but if need be, it is an ideal I’m prepared to die for.” Twenty-three years later, the great tree has fallen, and the Earth shook. Mandela was a tree of great character and beauty. He cast a wide shadow and gave shelter to so many under his branches. May his example become the guiding star that shines forever in the hearts of all future generations who cherish justice and freedom.
Chester Higgins
www.chesterhiggins.com