Today we honour the life of Nelson Mandela,
the former President of South Africa and one of the world's greatest leaders,
who sadly passed away at the age of 95.
His influence transcends Africa, and he has been an inspiration to all as a champion of civil rights.
He was committed to democracy and the removal of apartheid in South Africa.
Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 - one week before my mother -
a royal child, son of a Chief of the Thembu people.
His long political struggle, his 27 years of imprisonment, and the triumph of his release and the first democratic elections in South Africa are well-recorded.
His was a life wonderfully well-led.
VALE, Madiba - may you rest in peace.
Today my ladies choir sang 'You Raise Me Up', just for you.
I found a clip of the British Colombia Girls Choir, singing the same arrangement, which is one I love to sing in performance.
Peace and Blessings
xx
