SAWIP Mourns the Death of Nelson Mandela

Washington, DC: The South Africa-Washington International Program (SAWIP) www.sawip.org joins with all fellow South Africans and people of good will in mourning the death of former President Nelson Mandela. His legacy is profound – his commitment to justice and democratic ideals, as well as his faith in peaceful reconciliation, will continue to inspire his countrymen and the world community.

SAWIP is a unique leadership program committed to preparing a new generation of South African leaders who will fulfill Mandela’s vision. Four SAWIP alumni offered their perspective on what Mandela’s life and work mean to them and their country:

Sibahle Magada: “Though I never met him, it feels like I am losing a grandfather I love dearly. Though I never had a conversation with him, I feel like I could have laughed with him. Though he never even knew me, I feel like he cared for me - for my education, for my well-being, for my future. Nelson Mandela is a person our entire nation shared in common. With his death we shall mourn together, and we shall heal together too.”

Anna-Marie Muller: “I am a white African who comes from an Afrikaner background and I believe it was Madiba that said once that everyone lost in apartheid. Because of Mandela’s sacrifice and that of other freedom fighters, young, white Afrikaans-speaking South Africans like me are also free today. Mandela said ‘to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others’ -- I take up this challenge and I hope to be defined by these words.”

Phillip van der Merwe: “My hope is that we demand leadership that aspires to that of Madiba and that we work as hard to achieve a unified South Africa as he did in his many years of inconceivable sacrifice.”

Mandilakhe Cecil Lwana: "During these difficult times for our nation, we can find comfort in the immortality of uTata's ideals and legacy. We must hold dear his vision of a peaceful rainbow nation. Great men do not cease to exist, as their principles are forever engraved on people's hearts. uTata uNelson is one of those great men who can never be forgotten.”

Brian Currin, one of the founding Board Members of SAWIP and a prominent anti-apartheid activist and human rights lawyer in South Africa, remembers what made Mandela unique: “Mandela had the ability to manage his emotions, overcome his prejudices, respect the perspectives of his adversaries and search for the humanity in his enemy.” Currin went on to note that Mandela spent 27 years in prison yet left it with “a vision of an inclusive, diverse and democratic South Africa. That’s his remarkable gift to South Africa. I hope that we can sustain it.” Each year SAWIP selects 15 to 17 young South African leaders from a competitive pool of 145 to 175 candidates to participate in the program. Students selected to be part of the program go through a rigorous leadership development curriculum in South Africa and in U.S.

SAWIP alumni and board members are available for interviews to reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela and how it will shape the future of South Africa.

Please contact SAWIP Executive Director Jaya Tiwari to arrange interviews at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202-604-1440 (W) or 703-517-9620 (M).

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