TRIBUTE
NELSON ROLIHLAHLA
MANDELA
Madiba 1918-2013
A Tribute from the University of the Witwatersrand The University of the Witwatersrand extends its deep-
as a comrade, and as the father of our young nation,
est sympathies to the friends and family of former
is etched in history, and will live on forever.
president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the father of our nation and an international icon, who passed away on
The father of our nation, Madiba was Wits University’s most illustrious student and alumnus. He was a
Thursday, 5 December 2013 at the age of 95. May his
close friend of the University and blessed us with his
soul rest in peace.
presence over the years in several roles - as a student,
Founding president of democratic South Africa, Tata
a politician, an activist, as an Honorary graduate, as
Nelson Mandela changed the world as we know it. He
a President, a Nobel prize-winner, a guest and as a
has left a legacy that will benefit and inspire genera-
world leader.
tions to come. He set an example for the rest of the
Wits University bestowed an Honorary Doctorate
world and created history on his journey through life.
upon Nelson Mandela in 1991 for his ‘commitment to
We must celebrate his humility, his principles, his commitment to justice, peace and freedom during this
justice (which) drew him out of his profession and into national leadership’.
time and we must never forget the values for which
You were of us, but you belonged to the world. You
he fought so hard and for which he was prepared to
lived amongst us now, but your legacy will inspire for
die.
eternity.
Tata Madiba, we walk in your footsteps, we are guid-
Hamba kahle Tata - You are in our hearts.
ed by your principles, and we live by your humanity.
Professor Adam Habib
You are with us today, and your contribution as an
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
alumnus of our University, as a fellow South African,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
MORE TRIBUTES: WWW.WITS.AC.ZA/ALUMNI
January 2014 | WITSReview | 1
