As the world bids farewell to Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela, first democratic president of South Africa and icon of the global struggle for human rights, Save the Children South Africa pays tribute to the man who devoted his life to a better future so that our children will benefit for generations to come.

Madiba is often quoted as saying that there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children. He knew that by investing in our children we were investing in South Africa as a whole. He demonstrated that commitment many times, by donating his Nobel Peace prize money to children’s charities in 1993 and again in 1995 by giving one-third of his presidential salary to establish the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Chairman of Save the Children SA, Neven Hendricks, said, “Madiba walked a long road and his legacy will live eternally. For centuries to come, those who seek a voice will borrow his. Those who find themselves in darkness will use his words as beacons. His fundamental respect for humanity and his love for children will continue to inspire both South Africans and people of other nations alike to know that a better future is always possible. As South Africans we must reflect on his life and recommit to building a nation he would be proud of in which all children are born equal and given the strength to walk their own road. Today we weep for our loss, but we rejoice in a world deeply transformed by his having been here.”
 
For interviews and further information, please contact: Karen Allan Save the Children Communications Manager Tel:  012 430 776 [email protected] Cell: 074 131 4041