From leading statesman to regular citizens, millions paid tribute when the death of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, was announced. Even though his passing had been anticipated for some time as his health faded, at 95, there was this feeling as long as he was alive everything would be all right.

Even the world’s most experienced commentators and journalists, found themselves engulfed in a moment of significant history, that left many scrambling for words to truly capture the passing of a man who endured 27 years in a terrible prison, mainly because he desired what everyone on earth has a right to, freedom and peace,

This incredible man who could have emerged from his cell of racist oppression, with a burning quest for revenge, stunned the world by his spirit of goodwill toward those who were instrumental in trying to crush his aspirations for a united South Africa, which would embrace all races, and creeds, in a climate of freedom that would replace apartheid. A system which kept millions of black Africans as something less than human.

Nelson Mandela knew the challenge was enormous, and it would take plenty of work, and patience, to convince those who wanted a bloody revenge. A man who knew that the country could not progress without blacks, and whites, working together to build a strong and healthy society. He also knew people around him were sceptical about such a view, in light of the horror stories that were a part of South Africa’s history.

Nevertheless, this man carried the torch of peace and unification close to his heart, to such a degree that his inner power helped to transform attitudes within those who despised him. And it was that commitment that projected him to become that country’s first black president.

The former president, F. W. de Klerk, who presided over a racially divided country, openly admitted that Nelson Mandela changed the tone of the country, with his quiet powerful command of wanting to do what was right for all South Africans. Mandela said that goal was even worth dying for.

What is most significant about the passing of this giant, who never sought fame, was that his term in prison by his oppressors worked in reverse. In there he was able to study the people who blindly promoted racist policies in a bid to maintain superiority under a blanket of vicious tactics, that often resulted in many deaths of men, women, and children who wanted change.

What could easily have been a bloodbath was averted because Nelson Mandela chose to talk with South Africa’s oppressors, instead of looking to settle scores for the suffering he had endured while a prisoner at Robben Island. He knew it was a tough call, since some of his supporters felt he was playing up to people who were not overly anxious for any change in an unjust system which much of the free world had condemned.

In the days ahead there will many more tributes paid to this statesman, who touched the heart of the world by his quiet, but steady, commitment to bring about a climate where black and white South Africans would see themselves as Africans working to build a better country.

The greatest tribute the world can make for a life dedicated to peace and understanding, is for all leaders to place greater value on dignity and justice for all.

Even within Africa there are parts where people are still being brutally slaughtered in a vicious circle of violence, with no real sign of an end in sight. Similar violence is also leaving scores dead on a weekly basis in various parts of the globe.

This simply means there is much work to be done before Mandela’s dream can be realised. He began his task in a country in darkness, but left it in a new light, that hopefully will become a place where every citizen is special.

Tributes are wonderful, but nothing can replace honouring a great leader, except by following his words with a living example of treating each other with respect and dignity. That perhaps was Nelson Mandela’s real legacy.