NC politicians remember Mandela

North Carolina politicians share their thoughts about the death of Nelson Mandela:

“The world has lost a champion for the cause of freedom,” said Governor McCrory. “President Mandela’s strength in leading South Africa out of apartheid was only exceeded by his personal grace and dignity. Ann and I join people around the world in extending our thoughts and prayers to the family of President Nelson Mandela and the people of his nation.” 

“I join with the rest of the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela, an icon of civil rights. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, Nelson Mandela never expressed any bitterness or resentment and later became President of a new, free South Africa.

Thanks to a citizen of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela. William Swing, of Lexington, North Carolina, was the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa from 1989-92. During his tenure, I was fortunate to visit South Africa and stay in the ambassador’s residence. Thanks to Bill Swing, I accompanied the Ambassador to a private dinner where Nelson Mandela was the guest of honor.

To have the opportunity to spend an evening with this world figure and to listen to him speak is one of the highlights of my life. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I express my condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela and the people of South Africa on the loss of a true historic legend.”

“Today, I join hundreds of millions of people worldwide in mourning the extraordinary life and legacy of anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and first Black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Words alone cannot adequately praise his historic achievements or fully express my sympathy in learning of his passing. Mandela was an icon of the global community. He epitomized leadership, humanitarianism, and activism. Since first learning of Mandela as a young man, I have deeply admired his courage and vision to end racism and inequality through racial reconciliation. In many ways, Mandela inspired my life and career. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of South Africans and global citizens whose lives he influenced. Unequivocally, there will never be another quite like Nelson Mandela.”

“Nelson Mandela's compassion and humility in the face of overwhelming adversity remains an inspiration. The people of South Africa will forever be in debt for his role in ending apartheid, and the rest of the world inspired by his leading a divided nation into a new, prosperous era. Today, we all mourn his passing, but take comfort in the enduring lessons of his life that will live forever.”

"Nelson Mandela's struggle to end apartheid in South Africa is an incredible testament to the power of perseverance against both personal adversity and societal inequality. During nearly three decades of imprisonment, Mandela galvanized the world’s conscience against the wrongs of his government, but it was his subsequent leadership of that government that truly set him apart. As President, Mandela brought a spirit of grace, dialogue, and reconciliation to the country's politics that fostered healthy civic institutions and laid the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive society. In short, Mandela harnessed the aspirations of his people in the most positive way—to fix injustice and right systemic wrongs. His legacy will continue to endure and inspire for generations to come."