Speaker, hon Acting President, hon members, we as South Africans have been truly blessed to be a country that has brought forth this great child of the universe. I say this because Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela belongs to all of us.
He belongs to the Mandela family and to all South Africans, whose freedom mattered to him so much that he gave up his own freedom. He also belongs to the many countries of this world and its people, who have honoured and recognised him, naming streets and institutions after him long before we as a country could. This made sure that the name Mandela was not forgotten when he was still on Robben Island.
It is also worth recognising today the role of Mrs Winnie Madikizela- Mandela who steadfastly stood by him and suffered a great deal for doing so. [Applause.]
We ought to be grateful that we are the primary beneficiaries of this monumental sacrifice spanning 67 years to liberate this country. He is now the icon of peace, resilience, reconciliation and nation-building, a true example of the good that can come out of extremely difficult circumstances; hence Cope welcomes a global day celebrated in his honour.
Our new democracy is called upon to emulate his life and his shining deeds. It must emulate his values of humanity, human dignity, moral uprightness and freedom in order to succeed. We have to ask ourselves pointedly: What is it that we are doing to build on this legacy?
This is about upholding the institutions of our democracy. It is about fighting the poverty that our poor people are enduring. It is about respect by the young and old alike in our society today, as well as transparent and clean governance across our country, tolerance of divergent views and respect for democracy. We are indeed celebrating an extraordinary gift to our land today.
I will personally forever fondly recall an event at a peace rally in Vosloorus in 1995. I had been asked to lead the prayers for the rally. I had prepared hard for the meeting. Chief Buthelezi came in, and Mr Mandela came in, accompanied by Mr Pik Botha. I wasn't sure what to do because I had not expected Mr Pik Botha to be there. I decided that I would stick with the prayers that I had prepared. At the end of the prayers I heard somebody stepping forward and he tapped me on the shoulder. It was Mr Mandela. He said to me: "I am here with Mr Pik Botha, a leader of the largest white tribe in our country. Could I ask you to pray for him too?" [Applause.] And so I took time and prayed for Mr Pik Botha. All those who were there and heard the story said: "What an extraordinary gift we have in Mr Mandela."
So, as Cope we will encourage ... [Interjections.]