It is a great loss that South Africa, and the World, has sustained in the death of Tata Madiba. It is a great loss that we have sustained personally. Madiba was a hero and our father. A man who knew the journey of pain. All the world can say is that he was an extraordinary man, an embodiment of the fight for freedom. We, however, are struck speechless by grief. What can one say when having lost a father? Tata Madiba was not just a national hero. He was not just an amazing president. He was not just a fighter for freedom. He was not just a man who had suffered much, and forgiven much. He was much more that all of this. He was our father. He cared for us. He loved us. He sacrificed for us. He carried us in times of distress. He made himself the bridge to unite us. He led by example, like a father does. His humility, forgiveness, strength in weakness, love for his people, will continue to stand as a beacon of hope for us. For those of us who are left behind, let us honor his life by walking in his footsteps. Thank you Tata for carrying us, and teaching us how to live. Now you have left us, you have handed over the torch to us. May you rest in Peace.
