Both Mandela and Kagame defied the odds

Editor,The fallen global icon Nelson Madiba Mandela taught us that mankind has two contrasting sides. History will remember some people as villains due to their cruelty, and others as heroes and heroines due to their outstanding contribution to advancement of society.In 1994, two events happened that will never be forgotten. It’s the time South Africa celebrated the end of Apartheid, but it is also the time Rwanda endured the darkest period in its tragic history –the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Nelson Mandela was the face of the anti-Apartheid struggle, while Paul Kagame emerged to fight the genocidal machinery as the rest of the world chose to turn a blind eye. Thankfully, both men succeeded in their struggles for equality and the sanctity of life, and later set their respective countries on the path of reconciliation and healing.They are both great African heroes.It is fitting, therefore, that as we mourn Tata Madiba, we should also celebrate the humane values he truly stood for, which should be upheld for generations.He lived his life like a candle in the wind but taught the world the lesson of forgiveness and selflessness. He had a great impact on South Africa, Africa and the world at large. RIP Madiba.Richard Niwenshuti, KigaliReaction to the story, “Kagame on Nelson Mandela: a politician capable of the remarkable” (The New Times, December 6)

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Both Mandela and Kagame defied the odds