Buthelezi opens hearts of youngsters
I WAS inspired when attending a Mandela Day celebration last week where Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi addressed pupils at Grandmore Primary School in Phoenix, Durban.
He spoke in a language understood by the pupils and used examples they could easily identify with.
It was humbling when he related that he knew former president Nelson Mandela for 60 years and had supper with him at his home in Orlando West where Madiba’s wife would make tea for them.
He said: “I knew Mandela long before he became a great leader. He used to play draughts with my father-in-law.”
This showed how close Shenge was to Madiba.
I thank him for telling these young people that they can make a difference in serving their country.
He also said that change is brought about through ordinary people who stand up and do something.
Buthelezi reminded them of their unique role in shaping their respective societies and to remain themselves against all odds in what- ever they do.
It’s true that they do not have to be someone well-known to do what is good and progressive for SA. They too, like Mandela, can contribute in developing this country.
I liked Shenge’s honesty in his speech and salute him for that.
He said: “I want you to understand that you don’t need to be a Mandela to make a difference.”
Of course our role in developing this country is unique.
“You simply need courage to play your part. Think about what you can do, and then try to do a little bit more than that,” Buthelezi said.
“You might surprise yourself. Maybe your interest is not in politics. Maybe you want to impact the world of science, or arts, fashion or journalism. Wherever your passion lies, decide in your heart today that you are going to make a difference.”
I thank him for reminding us that whatever we do, our common mission should be serving this country, not in politics only but in various fields of life.
His speech will, for these kids, forever remain an inextinguishable fire of patriotism and yearning to become something. It opened their hearts and widened their mental horizons.
Indeed they need role models like Buthelezi. Jeremiah Nkosi, Marine Parade