18th July, 2022
By Cecilia Ologunagba
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has hailed the late Nelson Mandela, the first black President of post-Apartheid South Africa and a racial justice icon, for his outstanding legacies.
In a video message to mark Mandela’s International Day, commemorated on July 18 annually, Guterres described Mandela as a healer and mentor to generations.
“Nelson Mandela – or Madiba, the clan name he’s affectionately known by at home – was a healer of communities and a mentor to generations.
“He walked the path to freedom and dignity with steely determination—and with compassion and love.”
According to him, Mandela is “a giant of our time” who remains a “moral compass” for us all.
Guterres further described the champion of a free and democratic South Africa, who spent nearly three decades in prison resisting the racist Apartheid regime, as “a leader of unparalleled courage and towering achievement; and a man of quiet dignity and deep humanity.”
The UN chief said he demonstrated through his life that everyone has the ability—and responsibility—to build a better future.
“Our world today is marred by war; overwhelmed by emergencies; blighted by racism, discrimination, poverty, and inequalities; and threatened by climate disaster.
“Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela’s example and inspiration in his vision.”
In addition, the UN chief said that the best way to honour his legacy is by taking action, amid a rise in hate speech around the world, everyone must speak out.
“Everyone must speak out and stand up for human rights by embracing our common humanity—rich in diversity, equal in dignity, united in solidarity.”
“Together and by following Madiba’s example, we can make our world “more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all,” the secretary-general said.