Nelson Mandela (18 July, 1918 – 5 December, 2013).
One year ago, we lost a great world advocate, a man who sacrificed so much of his life for us all- a great hero of humanity. I share a tribute, written on behalf of Nelson Mandela, by another great South African brother, Johnny Clegg. We love you, Mandela.
Asimbonanga (We Have Not Seen Him) by Johnny Clegg
Asimbonanga (We have not seen him)
Asimbonanga umandela thina (We have not seen Mandela)
Laph’ekhon (In the place where he is)
Laph’ehleli khona (In the place where he is kept)
Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
Look across the island into the bay
We are all islands till comes the day
We cross the burning water
A seagull wings across the sea
Broken silence is what I dream
Who has the words to close the distance
Between you and me
Asimbonanga (We have not seen him)
Asimbonanga umfowethu thina (We have not seen our brother)
Laph’ekhon (In the place where he is)
Laph’ehleli khona (In the place where he died)
Hey wena! (Hey you!)
Hey wena nawe (Hey you and you as well)
Siyofika nini la’ siyakhona? (When will we arrive at our destination?)
With love on the journey,
LCO
Photo: Associated Press
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