In South Africa, Nelson Mandela has always fought against the racist system of apartheid. He spent more than half his life behind bars. One day he was released. One day apartheid fell. One day he became the first black president of a republic that was the most racist in the world. And he gave a speech. The true one. For there is a fake speech. See further.
“… Time has come to heal our wounds”
Majesties, Highnesses, distinguished guests, comrades and friends,
Today, all of us, through our presence here and our celebrations in other parts of our country and the world, give glory and hope to a freedom that was just born. From the experience of an unprecedented human disaster that has lasted far too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.
Our daily actions, as ordinary South Africans, must create a concrete South African reality that will strengthen humanity’s faith in justice, confirm his trust in the nobility of the human soul and uphold all our hopes for a glorious life for all. We owe all this both to ourselves and to the peoples of the world who are so well represented here today.
I do not hesitate to tell my compatriots that each of us is as intimately attached to the land of this beautiful country as are the famous jacarandas of PretoriaTrees whose mauve flowers are hatched from spring to autumn, the jaracandas of Pretoria constitute, one of the specificities of the city. and the mimosas of the South African bushveld.
We, the people of South Africa, feel deeply satisfied that humanity has taken us back, and that the rare privilege of being the host of the nations of the world on our own land has been granted to us, who were outlaws not so long ago. We thank all our distinguished international guests for coming to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, peace, human dignity.
We are confident that you will continue to stand with us as we address the challenges of building peace, prosperity, democracy, and tackle sexism and racism.
The time has come to heal our wounds. The time has come to reduce the abysses that separate us. The time for construction is approaching.
We have finally achieved our political emancipation. We pledge to free all our people from the permanent state of slavery to poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender discrimination or any other discrimination. We have succeeded in taking the last step towards freedom in conditions of relative peace. We are committed to building a lasting, just and total peace.
We have triumphed in our effort to bring hope to the hearts of millions of our fellow citizens. We are committed to building a society in which all South Africans, white and black, can walk with their heads held high without fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with it.even and with the world.
We understand that there is no easy path to freedom. We know that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.
May justice be present for all! May freedom reign! The sun will never set on such glorious human success.
God bless Africa. Thank you.
The Fake Speech
Another excerpt from that speech is much better known: by Marianne Williamson, from one of her books, Return to Love. This is one of the most famous misunderstandings of the 20th century. This text was never included in the Mandela speech. It is found in the book of Marianne Williamson only — even if all those who know it are convinced of the contrary. This speech is such brightness, such elevation, I can’t resist giving it to you.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are born from light.Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the divine power that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
This speech was written by Marianne Williamson. Here is another equally beautiful quote from her: “The love, we are born with it. The fear, we learned it. The spiritual journey consists in unlearning the fear and prejudices and accepting the return of love in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on Earth. Being aware of it, practicing it on us and on other people, is the meaning of life. The meaning is not in things. The meaning is in us.”
Mandela is a living symbol. The image of a world that is changing faster and faster. The World Cup could have gathered in South Africa Mandela and Obama. As for the French Team, it has very little to do with the one of 1998: a few months ago, Lilian Thuram launched the appeal of the hundred ones, “for a post-racial and multicultural society that would reflect the French reality.” And I hope to see rise the rainbow world. Black, white, arab, but also red, yellow, green and blue. Orange and violet, or purple and striped.
Without challenge, life is bleak. Love is the challenge, whoever you are, wherever you come from. Love is the real smile from the heart.
Forgiveness frees the soul, it takes the fear away. That is why forgiveness is such a powerful weapon.
But nothing is set in South Africa. Ordinary racism is still present. Black police shoots with real bullets without warning over black protesters to defend white power. Mandela was only a precursor, he has not set the situation, no one could. This is only the beginning, continue the fight.
Time will tell
At the dawn of a brand new era, people start dreaming of a world of adventures and challenges, of a life so mind-blowing heart-beating and body-shaking that our children won’t need to take drugs at the risk of getting lost. Let us help them climb their unprecedented way to the divine powers. Sooner or later, they know these lost powers have always been theirs. One of these days -who knows?- their descendants will build a lightning trap in the very realistic goal to awaken the world and give back to mankind its divine stature.
Courage consists in doing what is right.
Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela died on december 5th 2013.
We won’t forget him. Shine your light on us, Madiba.
I believe in the force of spirit and I will not leave you.
The article you have read was first posted on the early days of 2014. I wanted to commemorate this giant of peace and self-giving, especially during this days of hate and war. So I changed illustration, added more information, more adapted to the time being. This man was such a hero. His light still illuminate the world.
Presence
“Here my presence can’t be.
I am dressed with myself.
There is no planet evidence.
Clarity exists without me.
Born from my hand over my eyes
And diverting me from my way
The shade prevents me from walking
Upon my crown of universes
In the big mirror where I live,
Broken mirror, moving, reverse,
Where on turn habit and surprise
Open the way to boredom.”
Paul Eluard
