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UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY (UDP) OF THE CAPRIVI STRIP MOURNS THE DEATH OF THE GREATEST SON OF AFRICA, N
December 7, 2013
UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY (UDP) OF THE CAPRIVI STRIP MOURNS THE DEATH OF THE GREATEST SON OF AFRICA, NELSON MADIBA MANDELA.

The people of the Caprivi Strip, at home and in exile, mourn the death of the greatest leader and son of Africa. He came to this earth as a human being, and just as the scriptures are told, there is a time to be born and a time to die. Many would have wanted and wished that his life be prolonged but just like the son of God, he was snatched from us when we still needed him the most.

It is said that everything on earth happens for a purpose, and thus his life till his death should be an education particularly to African leaders and the world over. It is interesting that, as a student in Mafikeng in 1961, I was particularly influenced and later inspired by the African National Congress’ will to fight for freedom. Now, let the critics talk, it was because of ANC’s influence that the late Brenden Simbwae, myself, and other Caprivians felt a need and decided to form the Caprivi African National Union (CANU).

Let me mention here that, while the people of South Africa were being brutalized by the Apartheid regime, the people of the Caprivi Strip also underwent the same fate. Like for example: in South Africa Steve Biko and many other were killed, while in the Caprivi Strip late Lyaboloma and many others including late Masida who was burnt alive suffered the same fate. Now, although South Africa is now free, the Caprivi Strip is not.

The black man’s government in Namibia has taken the place of Apartheid regime, and that is, to colonize the Caprivi Strip. Many Caprivians have become the Mandelas of today as they have been imprisoned for fourteen years without a fair trial. Prison life is full of hardships, but when the late Mandela was in prison he never lost hope. Prison life changed him for the better as he conquered his fears.

Mandela’s life till death was full of surprises. When the Afrikaners were brutally killing black people in South Africa, he rose and championed Umkhonto we sizwe. When the struggle for freedom in South Africa was bitter, he was prepared to sacrifice his life to free his nation. It is rare to witness a man whom after going through the hardship for being imprisoned for twenty seven years, he never avenged but reconciled with his enemies for the better good of his country and nation. When he became South Africa’s first black President, had he chosen to be a two term president he could easily win but unlike most African leaders, one term was enough as his mission was to set an example for those who would come after him.

Most African leaders often refers to people who are fighting for freedom as terrorists, a notion that is ill perceived as bad. But what they forget is that nearly all of them had undergone the same route and later became leaders in their respective countries. It is time for African leaders to look back and borrow, if not copy the late Mandela’s administrative leadership style.

To the Late Mandela’s family, the people of the Caprivi Strip are with you in this darkest hour. We want you to know that your loss is also our loss. So, as we honor his memories, we hope each of you will take comfort in knowing that, his commitment to change how politics is played in South Africa has changed the world and thus will never be forgotten. His legacy of service has inspired every man, young or old, to work together with their enemies despite their differences.

Nelson Mandela may your soul rest in peace.

Mishake Muyongo
President
United Democratic Party (UDP)


Source: United Democratic Party (U.D.P.)


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