3 minute read
The Path To Greatness Lies In Daily Commitment To Selflessness
We are reminded that sacrifice and suffering are to be welcomed in service to others.
By Rahmat Luvuyo Nomvete
“Wasn’t that awesome guys?”
We burst out laughing. Balisa had asked this question so many times.
“Yes, it was, my dear,” replied Kristi. “It always feels nice to be of some service to your fellow human beings.”
Five of us had spent 67 minutes on Mandela Day at a charity event for Aurora Special Care Centre where physically and mentally disabled children in Port Elizabeth receive care.
We had decided to take the Route 67 walk afterwards, to wind down and reflect on the day. We disembarked the taxi near the Campanile and began our uphill journey towards the South African flag.
“Isn’t it just fascinating, hey, how one man was able to inspire the whole world?” Mandla said, referring to Nelson Mandela.
“Once a year, an entire nation is moved to perform acts of selfless service for their communities. All because of one guy.
“What he was able to achieve for this country is incredible.
“But what was so special about this guy? There are so many great leaders out there, and there were even more in the past, but they were not able to inspire and liberate their people.
“Tata’s achievements remain unmatched in the history of our continent. What is it about him that makes him so remarkable?”
Sanda interrupted, “Why don’t we think about this question as we’re walking up the hill. When we get to the top, we can share what we think Mandela’s greatest quality is.”
We burst out laughing again. This time because we knew Sanda’s real intentions. He was tired, and we had a long way to climb. He wanted us to walk in silence to get to the flag more quickly.
Nevertheless, we all agreed and continued the walk in silence.
No matter how many times one takes this walk, it always is possible to see for the first time something stunningly beautiful in the detail of the artwork.
After we reached the top and spent a moment looking at the flag at the top of the hill, we settled on the “Windward” seats.
“Okay, what are your thoughts, guys?” Sanda asked. “Well, I think it was Nelson Mandela’s emphasis on knowledge and learning,” Kristi said.
“I read somewhere that while he was imprisoned, Madiba not only read many books, but he also encouraged others to do the same. He felt it was important to gain as much knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. This is what made him such a wise and remarkable leader.”
Balisa agreed. “I think it also has to do with his detachment and freedom from prejudice,” she said. “Apparently Madiba always emphasized unity.”
Mandla said he had fought against both white and black domination and, as a matter of principle, he even spoke kindly of those who were responsible for his persecution. “You know,” Mandla said, “Another thing might be his willingness to accept the hardships and difficulties of life. “Madiba spent almost three decades in prison, right?... But to come out of it with no feelings of remorse means that he had accepted the hardships of his life and didn’t make a big deal out of it. “He understood well, that in order to make a great change in the world, sacrifice is needed. “Sacrifice and suffering are not only to be expected. They are to be welcomed. They seem to form a vital part of the path to greatness.” The sun was setting, casting a warm, red glow. “You know, all of these Bradley Levack explains the meaning things are within our of the art patterns on Route 67. capacity,” Sanda said. We agreed.
“Look at the racial differences in this group. Isn’t this a sign of our own freedom from the prejudices that divide the world?”
Balisa nodded and said, “Yoh, hayi, today was awesome guys.”
Artwork on Route 67 celebrates the heroes of the fight for freedom from apartheid.
Photo by Chris Allen
