Another Mandela will be hard to find

MANDELA will always be remembered for his fierce dignity and unbending will when he sacrificed his own freedom for others. He had the privilege of becoming the first black leader of Africa’s biggest economy following historic all-race elections after spending about three decades as a political prisoner.

Mandela’s superb sense of humour and lack of bitterness towards his former oppressors ensured global appeal for the charismatic leader.

The Nobel Peace laureate, a great inspiration for the African people during the apartheid period, also became a symbol of non-violence for them in the present age of violence.

Above all, he bore no malice towards those who had imprisoned him or disagreed with him.

After he was released from prison, he laboured hard to unite various factions in South Africa. He did not let the past bitterness affect the future. The world will not easily see another principled and selfless leader like him. RUGEN PILLAY Durban