"No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
These words, written by Mandela in his book, the Long Walk to Freedom, epitomise the ethos with which this global legend lived his life. Madiba set an example of forgiveness and love, seeing beyond skin colour, status and age. In his special way, he united not only the South African nation, but also the world as a whole.
This is the reason for choosing this quote for the wall on Vilakazi Street, a street that bears the history of the fight for our country's democracy.
On 8 December 2013, visitors to the street, together with members of the ANCYL, were invited to add a message on the wall in honour of Madiba's life. Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, Mzwandile Masina and Magasela Mzobe, ANCYL convenor and coordinator wrote their personal messages on the wall. Zahara, Robbie Malinga, Ntando, Andile Gaelesiwe and DJ Sbu also left their notes on the wall.
"The sadness of Madiba's passing is a day that will live on forever in our memories. We wanted to pay tribute to the man whose impact will be felt for generations to come. By inviting people to write on the wall, we commemorated this time and celebrated the life of the father of our nation," says Anisa Kale of Keys Communications.
