MIKEDEKOCKRACING.com joins the worldwide tribute to the late Nelson Mandela in paying our respects to the great South African leader.

Much has been said since the iconic Mandela’s passing on Thursday  – there were dozens of wonderful tributes contained in various media at the weekend. Below are a few particularly striking quotes and comments (some from Mandela himself) – reminders that our own petty difficulties, problems and arguments are horribly pale by comparison to what Mandela had to live through and that perhaps we’d achieve a great deal more by following his exemplary way of turning adversity into opportunity.

“The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.”

“Sport has the power to change the world, to inspire, to unite people. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
-Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela stands for so much in our national psyche, is so much a part of the vocabulary we use to understand and express our present and future struggles, that we can never really let him die.  – Mail & Guardian.

He represents a philosophy that recognizes that every life has equal value and that our richest reward is in building hope and opportunity for those who are less fortunate than us – Jay Naidoo.

By any measure, Nelson Mandela has changed the arc of history, transforming his country, continent and the world. – Barack Obama.

He appreciated simplicity and innocence. He was a good listener and he loved children. – Zelda Le Grange.

He had to close his eyes for ours to open. – Advertiser in Sunday Times.

We must refuse to say goodbye to his example, his ideals and the dream we share with him. – Mail & Guardian.

Rest in peace, Madiba!