ANC likens Madiba to Moses
2010-07-15 22:46
Johannesburg - The ANC on Thursday paid tribute to former president Nelson Mandela likening him to Moses, who rescued the Israelites.
"Madiba is like the biblical Moses, who took the children of Israel from the land of bondage to the promised land, the land of milk and honey," spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
"We salute his leadership and his selflessness,"
Mthembu urged South Africans and the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to those less fortunate to celebrate Mandela's birthday on Sunday.
"This is a day when all of us, regardless of our race, sexual orientation, cultural beliefs and our political orientation and affiliation, must say in unison, thank you Madiba.
"Thanking him for his show of leadership and love to humanity."
'True democrat'
He said the ANC would have failed in its duty if it did not learn from Mandela.
"... Apart from making a call to all South Africans and the world, the ANC will practically engage in a programme that will ensure that we replicate what Madiba stood for."
Mandela was a "true democrat, a revolutionary and a selfless leader".
"As he has said many times that 'it is in our hands'. Madiba is correct; it is now up to us to qualify what Madiba said and do something useful for our communities."
On Saturday, ANC officials including President Jacob Zuma will wish Mandela a happy birthday in Houghton.
The party's national executive committee (NEC) would be deployed across the country on Sunday.
- SAPA