DHARAMSHALA, December 6: The Tibetan Prime Minister and the parliament have expressed their sadness over the demise of former anti-apartheid hero and first black president of South Africa Nelson Mandela.
“On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, I would like to express my profound sadness over passing away of Nelson Mandela, who has contributed a lot to justice and peace in the world,” said Lobsang Sangay, the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration (formerly known in Tibetan as the Tibetan government in exile)
Sangay, who frequently refereed to Nelson Mandela as ‘an epitome of justice and peace’ during his campaign for the Tibetan PM’s post, said Mandela’s real life struggle for South Africans gave hope to humanity in general and particularly to Tibetans that justice do prevail in the end.
“As a law student and as an activist at one time, I have studied about Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The success of the anti-apartheid movement gave a lot of hope to everyone seeking justice in the world,” he said.
“Nelson Mandela is one of the global peace icons for whom I have tremendous respect. With his passing away, the world has lost not just a great statesman but also a very good human being. His legacy of peace, reconciliation and the oneness of humanity will continue to live on and inspire many lives around the world.”
The Parliament-in-Exile today also expressed its condolences to Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa and Mrs. Graca Mandela, wife of Nelson Mandela.
“We are deeply saddened by the demise of Mr. Nelson Mandela. He was not only a great leader for the people of South Africa but an iconic international figure of inspiration for peace, equality, justice and democracy,” said Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament.
“For the struggling people of Tibet, Mr. Mandela will always remain a guiding light and a warm friend to our leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama- both Nobel Peace Laureates.
“We share with the people of your country the great grief of this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for leading a movement against the racial discrimination in South Africa, initially on Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison.
He died on 5 December 2013 at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg. He was 95.
