From the Principal

January is always a time to look back over the year just passed, remembering moments, instances and events that remained significant in our minds. One such event in all our minds would have to be the death of former President, Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela, Father of our Nation, passed away peacefully on 5 December 2013. Every now and then, God raises up a leader who is gifted to transform an entire society and Nelson Mandela was a leader among leaders in this category. Each family in our school owes Tata Madiba an enormous debt of gratitude for peacefully guiding our country through the critical phase of transformation during the dismantling of Apartheid.

At the Rivonia Trial in 1964, Mandela famously declared:

"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

As President of South Africa, he finally had the opportunity to construct the beginnings of such a society, but knew that there would still be many hills to climb to see the full consummation of his dream.

In Long Walk to Freedom, he wrote:

"I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my walk is not yet ended."

Now Madiba has rested on his final hill, but we all know that the legacy of Nelson Mandela will continue to contribute strongly to our building this democratic and free society. Thank you Mr. President, for strong leadership, humility in forgiveness and for persevering in your dream for a better South Africa for all of us. Thank you, God, for the magnificent gift of Nelson Mandela. 

 

As we begin a new year at The King’s School West Rand this year, let us remember, with each hill we face, that journeying to the top will add to our legacy, our story and our ultimate victory. While we begin this year feeling rejuvenated and excited, ready to begin new things, I would urge each one of you to remember that enthusiasm throughout the year. Remember to push ahead, climb the hill and finish the year strong.

Enjoy 2014, each path, hill and adventure you encounter!