Six years ago today, was and will always be, one of the most memorable days of my life. It was the day of the Royal Premiere of MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM in London with Zindzi and Zenani Mandela and the cast of the film in attendance. Whilst it was the highlight of my filmmaking career in South Africa, it was at the same time a bitter-sweet evening that was most tragic.
While marking six years of Madiba’s passing, we acknowledge that our nation is grappling with the very issues that Madiba and his colleagues feared. His words were prophetic when he said, “Our hope for the future depends on our resolution as a nation in dealing with the scourge of corruption.” He must be smiling upon us now, given the work that is currently being done by the many institutions and individuals who are working diligently to rectify the damage caused by corruption, and deliver on the promise of “a better life for all” for our Rainbow Nation.
Today, as we reflect on Madiba’s legacy, we realise how much South Africa and the world needs his leadership. He left us with a rich legacy of selfless leadership, a deep sense of morality and profound wisdom. We should all aspire to live our lives by following Madiba’s example and make every effort to create a better world for future generations. As Madiba said, ‘it is in your hands,’ and each person can, and should try, to make a difference.
Anant Singh
5 December 2019
