Why the world can’t let go of Nelson Mandela — Soyinka

The Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has identified the principles represented by the late South African President and anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, as major factors why efforts were deployed to safeguard his life and time.

Soyinka said this at the commemoration of the 2018 Nelson Madela Day and the posthumous centenary birthday of the late South African hero organised by the South African Consulate in Lagos and the Nigerian Institute Affairs (NIIA).

Soyinka said while Mandela lived and related like every other human being, his self-sacrificing, courage and determination, among other features, stood him out and reasons why the world will never forget him.

The South African Consul General in Lagos, Darkey Africa said the commemoration of Mandela centenary birthday has become expedient because his life epitomised the struggle of a republic and the African people away from the shackle of International of oppression.

The Consul General also used the occasion to debunk the insinuation that there is a targeted campaign against Nigerians living in South Africa, saying just like the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said when he visited Nigeria, the killings we’re being perpetrated by criminals.

The Director, United Nations Information Centre in Lagos, David Kayanja said the annual celebration of Nelson Mandela freedom day is in recognition of the life lived by the antiapartheid hero.