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Mandela: An inspiration to Pact

December 6, 2013

As the world community mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela, the team at Pact has stopped to reflect how so many of us have been inspired by his fight against apartheid and for the empowerment of the poor and marginalized.

The world may never again witness a leader of such universal appeal, whose ideals touched and inspired so many; the extent of his influence is hard to overestimate.  He taught us all that love and not hate will prevail and that the power of forgiveness and coming together is far greater than the desire for revenge or the politics of division.  He reminded us of the enormous power than one individual can have to change the world.

We are proud that Pact stands for and works to implement so many of the things that Mandela advocated and dedicated his life to – not least among them the central idea that the poor and disenfranchised deserve agency and voice, and that we need to work together in partnership to change unjust systems.

Mandela’s own words on poverty are poignant and powerful.  He said:

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”

Let’s be that generation together!