Nelson Rolihlahla ‘Madiba’ Mandela may today be gone – but his legacy definitely lives on. At the Sitting today, regional legislators took time to pay special tribute and praises to the fallen hero and liberator of South Africa. The legislators expressed deep-felt sympathies for the loss, but also took time to celebrate the life of the fallen gallant son of Africa. Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013. However, at the time of his death, the Assembly was not in session.
The Resolution paying tribute to Nelson Mandela was moved by Hon Mike Sebalu. It recalls with sadness the demise of the late Mandela who was the first fully and democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa in May 1994. The late Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and despite been incarcerated for 27 years, refused offers to renounce his struggle against expression in exchange for freedom.
The Resolution appreciates the fallen statesman from a number of perspectives and takes note of his resilience, conviction and his dedication to unite all voices of freedom in every corner of the world with incomparable courage.
According to the mover, the resoluteness of Nelson Mandela created a critical mass of Africans and African States including those of East Africa to rally behind the call to end apartheid. The United Republic of Tanzania was one of the frontline states while military training camps were established in Uganda to fight the apartheid regime if need be, Hon Sebalu said.
Nelson Mandela or ‘Madiba’ as he was fondly referred to played a crucial effort in bringing about peace in the Republic of Burundi.
The Resolution thus encourages South Africa to bear the irreparable loss of the beacon of hope for the dignity of people throughout the world, regardless of race, colour or creed.
During debate, there was outpouring of warm words from Members. Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar termed Mandela a courageous man who stood his ground and was tested and proven, even in the face of dilemma. Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji termed Mandela a political icon for South Africa and the world. Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza told the House that Mandela loved children. “He had a care-free spirit and was loved by all races”, she added.
Hon Hafsa Mossi said the reconciliatory attributes of ‘Madiba’ were remarkable while Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema said the late Mandela believed in democracy.
Hon Makongoro Nyerere said Mandela was a special man and that we should emulate his forgiving nature. Others who spoke in praise of the late Mr.Mandela were Hon Emerence Bucumi, Hon Maryam Ussi, Hon Nusura Tiperu, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana and Amb Dr. Richard Sezibera.
Hon AbuBakr Ogle however opposed the motion saying he had fundamental flaws. For a start there were other heroes of the anti-apartheid regime and their contribution should be noted. He however said Mandela could have presided over a more just society. He could have further brought forth peace and reconciliation efforts in South Africa. On the same vein, he failed to speak forthright on the HIV and AIDS issue, Hon Ogle said.
Meanwhile, the motion of the Second Reading on the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR) and Management Bill, 2013 was adjourned at the request of the Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon Phyllis Kandie.
The motion for the Second Reading was to be moved by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, the initiator of the Bill on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. In the same vein, the Council of Ministers confirmed the take-over of the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill, 2013. When debate on the Bill resumed this afternoon, the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Phyllis Kandie noted that the Council of Ministers had consulted to consider the policy implications of the Bill and informed the House that they (Council) shall seek to re-submit/re-introduce it after appropriate amendments are made. In this regard, she mentioned that Partner States had submitted their comments back to the Secretariat. Hon Kandie regretted the delay owing to the delay among others of the process of ratification of the Peace and Security Protocol by the Partner States (the said Protocol contains a section dealing with DRR).
Hon Patricia Hajabakiga reiterated the need for the Council to indicate a timeline within which it would be brought back to the House. Hon ABuBakr Ogle and Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar urged the House to accommodate the Council’s plea. Hon Nusura Tiperu and Hon Isabelle Ndahayo also supported the move.
The Council of Ministers also received and answered questions from Members.
RESOLUTION: Paying Tribute to the Late Nelson Mandela
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East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
