The world has witnessed the departure of Nelson Mandela, on 5 December 2013. The death of Mandela, a humanist, a freedom fighter, a leader, is a great loss for the entire world. His life, his struggle for a better South Africa and world, his entire existence gave hope to the oppressed, the excluded, and the poor of the world. The whole of Mandela’s existence  has been a gift to humanity.

If one watches the moments of Mandela’s life, one will realize that besides all the other unique virtues Madiba had, it is clearly his humanist quality that made him what he was. The fact that Mandela was a humanist has largely determined his conviction, commitment, courage and willingness to forgive and forget. It has made him a rare human being, in a world were people are thought to do exactly the opposite: to compete, to hate, to avenge.

The role Mandela played in the struggle for a democratic and non-racial South Africa and the role he played in the post-apartheid transition period is something that cannot be denied. Notwithstanding the fact that Mandela was not the only one in the struggle for freedom, in the prisons, in the suffering, in the torture, he proved to be a man of a uniqueness that cannot be denied. He knew how to be the exemplary spokesman and representative of those whose freedom and justice were denied.

Nelson Mandela was the leader of a liberation movement that also became a political party, the African National Congress (ANC). After 5 years as president of South Africa he left power and trusted his party and “comrades” to lead the country. What happened after Mandela reduced his activity in the South African political arena is largely the fault of his successors. Unfortunately the “new” ANC has been largely accused of corruption, private use of public resources, bribery and improper favouritism, lack of transparency, etc. The ANC, similarly to FRELIMO in Mozambique, is now carrying the blame for having betrayed the people of South Africa. That is a fact. But this sad reality can not prevent Mandela from deserving a wide salute and recognition from South Africans, Africans and from the entire world.

Despite the fact that, as some say, Mandela was a controversial figure for some of his life, how do we explain his wide popularity and the love millions of people have been expressing for him? He was undoubtedly the man of the people.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela dies in a period of a complete bewilderment. The world is experiencing the worst crisis ever: economic, food, energy, climate, civilization and imagination. Human greed is destroying nature. The future is uncertain. The planet needs more Mandelas to bring hope to humanity.

Humanists all over the world are thankful for what Mandela did for South Africa and for the world. Hamba kalhe Madiba!