Tribute to Nelson Mandela by Elliot Wolf

ELLIOT WOLF
In the DECEMBER NEWSLETTER of the King David Schools’ Foundation, Elliot Wolf pays the following tribiute to Nelson Mandela:
 

“How does one pay adequate tribute to a man whose contribution on the world stage is truly ineffable? Nelson Mandela, our godlike hero and special icon, will always be remembered by millions worldwide for his example of selfless sacrifice, service to his fellow human beings, humility and forgiveness. 

RIGHT: The autographed message from Nelson Mandela to King David which sits in the admin block of KDL

“Though Madiba was feted by royalty, national presidents and politicians, and the greatest artistes and sportsmen, he never lost the common touch – for him every person that he encountered was accorded his full attention and respect.

“Shall I ever forget the historic visit of Madiba to King David High School Linksfield on 20th June 1997?

“In the presence of all our staff, students, as well as those of Eastbank High School Alexandra,  we were honoured to host the then State President on the rugby field and to listen to his stirring words of encouragement and implicit faith in his fellow man and the future of South Africa. 

On that occasion, as on many others, he displayed his willingness to meet individual students, and many had the unique good fortune to exchange a few words with this Colossus-like hero or even to shake his hand.​On behalf of the King David Schools’ Foundation as the representative body of the thousands of King David alumni worldwide and all those who have played a part in the King David Schools, we extend to the family of Nelson Mandela our deepest condolences on their personal loss – a loss that is shared by millions globally, who were privileged to be his contemporaries and to benefit from the inspiration and vision of this truly remarkable man. 

 Our dear Madiba has revealed his mortality, but his legacy will live forever and prove a beacon of hope, reconciliation and goodwill for all future generations.

 “To live on in the hearts of others is never to die” – Thomas Campbell