Lasting spirit of reconciliation

MORE THAN 100 heads of state or government, and tens of thousands of ordinary South Africans came together yesterday.

They withstood heavy rain to pay their respects to a man who, for more than quarter of a century, was known as Prisoner #46664.

Nelson Mandela, who died last Thursday at the age of 95, was one of the towering figures of the 20th century.

Yesterday’s four-hour service was one of the biggest gatherings of international dignitaries in recent years.

Barack Obama led tributes to the anti-apartheid icon, saying: “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.”

The US President received rapturous applause for his eulogy to the former SouthAfrican leader.

In a moment fitting the spirit of reconciliation Mandela stood for, Mr Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro, an unprecedented gesture between the leaders of two nations that have been hostile for more than half a century.

David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband were present, together with every living former UK Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron’s party may not always have been on the right side of history during the apartheid era, but the Prime Minister has admitted the Conservative Party of the 80s was wrong about Mandela and it was fitting that he led Britain’s tribute.

He said: “I think it was the forgiveness that set an example that so few politicians are able to follow. I think those sort of lessons are what we need to learn and take away with us.”

In life, Nelson Mandela was a humble man who would have been embarrassed by the plaudits bestowed on him yesterday. In death he is a giant. His long walk may be over but his ideas and ideals live on.