World Vision pays tribute to ‘tireless justice seeker’ Nelson Mandela

JOHANNESBURG, 5 December 2013 -- World Vision joins with others around the globe to express sympathies to the family of former South African President Nelson Mandela, and pay tribute to a modern legend of peacebuilding and human endeavor.

“Nelson Mandela has been, and will remain, an inspiration for many of us around the world involved in humanitarian work,” says Kevin Jenkins, World Vision International President. 

(Reuters photo by Mike Hutchings)

“Mandela was probably the greatest leader of our age, a tireless, fearless advocate for the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our world, particularly children. He believed in justice, and wasn’t afraid to do what he thought it would take to achieve it.

“Mandela’s death is, of course, most keenly felt in his home country, and we join with South Africans in sending our condolences to his family, and in mourning his loss.”

“Many of the children we work with, and our staff, have life-changing stories to tell of meeting Madiba over the years. All talk of his great compassion, and his tireless commitment to seeking justice and change.

Jenkins recalled a statement by Mandela that: ‘All people are created in the image of God and are his children.’ When his time came to lead his nation, he preached tolerance, respect and forgiveness. 

“What he achieved for his nation took determination, hard work and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition at times. He knew when to get his hands dirty and when to be diplomatic. He made the world better for countless millions of children. What better legacy is there than that?”