Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation welcomes the announcement made yesterday by President Cyril Ramaphosa of new measures to combat COVID-19. We applaud the decisive leadership shown by the President and the rest of government in this moment of crisis.

Everyone who lives in South Africa should strive to make sure that the three-week shutdown about to begin is successful. All of our futures hinge on our cooperation.

It will not be easy, especially for the vast majority of our people who enjoy little personal space and who struggle just to put bread on their tables.  All of us who enjoy a measure of privilege should look for ways, small as they may be, to assist those in greater need than ourselves.

In moments of great crisis, fear is to be expected. As Madiba himself said: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  I felt fear myself more times than I can remember.”  May we be inspired by Madiba at this moment to keep reaching for the courage all of us will need to get through what lies ahead.

We wish all who live in South Africa well.  Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika.

Media Enquiries:

Luzuko Koti

luzukok@nelsonmandela.org

+27 82 994 0349