Madiba Memorial speech, Obama spot on

No one could have said it better, Obama unleashed inspiring venom on not only dictators or himself but all of us but all of us in our spheres of influence. He spoke not like an American but one of us the suppressed living in what I would call neo-apartheid era. The deeply motivating speech, provoked self-introspection of all of us as individuals, individuals remembering Madiba. It removed the sympathetic veil Dictators were wearing yet remembering the life of a cattle boy whose principles and values they dont implement. Those were the aspects Obama ignited in remembering Mandela.

When a real hero or heroin is remembered or buried rains have to fall and heavily fall. Unplanned things smoothly run. That to me as an African describes a person respected by the heavens. A dream for our dictators who joined the rest of the world in remembering Madiba during the memorial service.

Obama did the most decent and African manner in which we take advantage of the good the dead has done.  Obama unleashed reality in the face of dictators who did not expect it, 

"There are too many people who happily embrace Madiba’s legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality. There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba’s struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people. (Applause.) And there are too many of us on the sidelines, comfortable in complacency or cynicism when our voices must be heard."

So true, that I wondered why leaders who suppress their people had to jet in Jorburg for they had no shared ideologies with Madiba. I concluded before the Obama Venom, political diplomacy, they understand South Africans political power in the international landscape. Alas, Obama did it better.

I looked at those who have set themselves as life presidents, the ones I believe are behind the threats of  shipping Africa out of the ICC. A decision made from selfish ideals that propel thwarting of all criticism against the Head of State. A plight to make themselves safe or immune to gross human abuses crimes they have done. A decision that satisfy that they are going to do it again against their own people.

This was my superficial interpretation of the speech, glad that their evils have been exposed. After meticulously meditating, in my own sphere of influence am I upholding Madibas desired principles and values or I am no different to the dictators, rang a bell. I have to strive to be a Madiba. I would say Madiba did the best in the shortest time ever in political power as president. 

For the people of South Africa, for those he inspired around the globe, Madiba’s passing is rightly a time of mourning, and a time to celebrate a heroic life. But I believe it should also prompt in each of us a time for self-reflection. With honesty, regardless of our station or our circumstance, we must ask: How well have I applied his lessons in my own life? It’s a question I ask myself, as a man and as a President.

Many African Presidents have been in power for more than a decade but shamelessly these states have moved worse than when they were colonised. Realistically, people who live pre-independence and post-independence eras can inform you that life was better. They could make ends meet; now it’s a great ordeal to survive in the majority rule era. Its not that they support colonialism but it seems favourable than the conditions they face and those hopes they had when they were ushered into the democratic majority rule.

The need to be Mandela has even provoked Yoweri Museveni not only to step down but do some self-introspection. That’s the step towards Madiba sipirit, we cannot be Madiba over-night but I see the Madiba works in His Excellence Yoweri Museveni.

As a people we need to check on our deeds, have they been to the good cause or we have falied. It take Madibas spirit to step down at what others believe is their hype moment. I haven’t heard the realities behind Madibas stepping down after four years in power. Despite the theories of thought other than wanting to spent more time with his family in 2004 when he resigned from politics. Stepping down in 1999 from presidency to me was the ability to see that this is the best I can go. Another person can do it better and faster than me.

"And finally, Mandela understood the ties that bind the human spirit. There is a word in South Africa -- Ubuntu -- (applause) -- a word that captures Mandela’s greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us." 

The only words known in Zimbabwe are Umhondi...Uori (murder…corruption) a friend posted on Facebook. The Zimbabwean case is so shameful that even children would ask, who is the Mugabe for South Africa? As in who is the president of any country.

The absence of Ubuntu, have seen the success of poverty reaching odd levels despite the development advances. Selfishness has ruled us with a big blow. It has thwarted all advances of democracy, good governance as well as development of mankind. The  Ubuntu absence amongst us as seen us sentencing the values and principles of Madiba on a death row. 

I can feel Obama did better than I would have done. I remain inspired by Barack as I strive to become closer to Madiba or beyond. 

So Much Thank You Barack.

Let alone, I celebrate the life of Madiba, I wish to be a Madiba of my time.

Let us shine through your inspirations.

Long Live the Madiba Spirit

Hamba Kahle Tata