April 6, 2014

Dear Sir,

Can we take on something bigger then ourselves? There is a biblical adage which says “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all things will be added unto you”.

Okay, forgive me if I said it a little wrong, it’s been a while. Actually many disciplines say precisely the same with different words. It’s been barely four months since the passing of Nelson Mandela whose life touched many and whose parting was felt around the world among a diverse global population because of his exemplar character. In fact he was extolled as one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century by many. What about his mission, do we who exalt the man let his mission die?

South Africa did not achieve its emancipation without the tremendous international support and the dream of freedom will not be achieved without the continuation of that support. It was many decades of the international community turning a blind eye to the atrocities while enjoying the benefits of trade with South Africa that perpetuated apartheid. As the world became less tolerant to injustices anywhere and evolution of collective consciousness in developed nations that began to exert moral and other pressures on an outdated regime, the South African government began to embark on a pragmatic change. However, that pragmatism was replaced with inspiration as Nelson Mandela entered the stage with the attitude of peace, justice and mutuality as the only road for all the South Africans.

It is four months since his death and the church bells must be rung again all over the world, but this time not to signal the burial of a lifeless body, but to command us who live to lift up what should be the living mission that only began in 1994. It’s not his body that should beckon us; it’s the mission for which he lived that must be fulfilled. We need to turn our adoration and praise into programmes of action that help fulfil the dreams of a free and inclusive South Africa. It’s not just South Africa who benefits — it is the world and the entire continent which will be lifted in the process.

All the nations of the diaspora in particular have a moral obligation, the US and Britain must be engaged in this effort and the signs are in the works that at least the US recognises its role and is making steps in the right direction. I get this trait from Mary my mother, I’m not too proud to beg if it’s for a good cause. So I am going to make a straight plea of action on your part. I have invited the Bermuda Government; I have sent invitation to the relevant parties and organisations that should support.

I am delighted to acknowledge the support from Rev Nicholas Tweed (of St Paul African Methodist Episcopalian Church) and the attention being given by the AME Bishop of South Africa. But I want every friend and network of friends who read this letter to consider not some writing of mine, but consider it a call to action, the dream and the mission needs your personal support. Google ICON business magazine see the forum in Johannesburg, SA on the 19th. Share with all you know. This is not a black thing, it’s a human call, so flood me with messages.

KHALID WASI