When former president and statesman Nelson Mandela died three years ago, there was a leadership vacuum that was created.
This has since been occupied by political vultures who only care about amassing personal wealth, rather than serving the people.
This was the general message delivered by speakers in Mthatha yesterday at the third anniversary of the former statesman's death.
Speakers at the event, who included Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, called on the current leaders to pick up the baton and carry on where Madiba had left off.
The event to commemorate Madiba's death was held in the Nelson Mandela Museum at the Bhunga Building.
Professor Bheki Mngomezulu pulled no punches, saying the country no longer had innocent politicians but political vultures, who have no respect for structures and processes.
"Madiba would not be happy. It was his integrity that brought us here. Treacherous and deceptive leadership will only destroy his legacy.
"We have leaders who are egocentric and only focused on amassing wealth for themselves," said Mngomezulu.
Political analyst Professor Somadoda Fikeni said although the country is not where it used to be, it was still not where it should be.
He said it was not just up to the leaders in government to uphold Madiba's legacy and teachings, but up to each and every individual.
"Mandela was an ordinary person, the moment we fail his dream is when we say we are waiting for President [Jacob] Zuma to fix this or to say we are waiting for the premier to fix this. Government alone cannot realise the dreams that Mandela had for the country," said Fikeni.
Masualle led the lighting of 95 candles, which represented the life and times of Mandela. This was followed by the release of 27 white doves that represented peace and unity.
One of Mandela's grandchildren, Ndaba Mandela, gave a heartfelt speech where he said, as a family, they continuously strive to uphold his grandfather's memory, legacy and life. "He was the most revered leader in the world, he stood for freedom and justice and dedicated his life to serving people," he said.
To honour his grandfather, South Africans should strive for a country that is free of the stigma attached to HIV/Aids, Ndaba said.
The event was held under the theme: "World of Nelson Mandela's Dream: Introspection & Reflection."
'Madiba succeeded by vultures'
When former president and statesman Nelson Mandela died three years ago, there was a leadership vacuum that was created.
This has since been occupied by political vultures who only care about amassing personal wealth, rather than serving the people.
This was the general message delivered by speakers in Mthatha yesterday at the third anniversary of the former statesman's death.
Speakers at the event, who included Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, called on the current leaders to pick up the baton and carry on where Madiba had left off.
The event to commemorate Madiba's death was held in the Nelson Mandela Museum at the Bhunga Building.
Professor Bheki Mngomezulu pulled no punches, saying the country no longer had innocent politicians but political vultures, who have no respect for structures and processes.
"Madiba would not be happy. It was his integrity that brought us here. Treacherous and deceptive leadership will only destroy his legacy.
"We have leaders who are egocentric and only focused on amassing wealth for themselves," said Mngomezulu.
Political analyst Professor Somadoda Fikeni said although the country is not where it used to be, it was still not where it should be.
He said it was not just up to the leaders in government to uphold Madiba's legacy and teachings, but up to each and every individual.
"Mandela was an ordinary person, the moment we fail his dream is when we say we are waiting for President [Jacob] Zuma to fix this or to say we are waiting for the premier to fix this. Government alone cannot realise the dreams that Mandela had for the country," said Fikeni.
Masualle led the lighting of 95 candles, which represented the life and times of Mandela. This was followed by the release of 27 white doves that represented peace and unity.
One of Mandela's grandchildren, Ndaba Mandela, gave a heartfelt speech where he said, as a family, they continuously strive to uphold his grandfather's memory, legacy and life. "He was the most revered leader in the world, he stood for freedom and justice and dedicated his life to serving people," he said.
To honour his grandfather, South Africans should strive for a country that is free of the stigma attached to HIV/Aids, Ndaba said.
The event was held under the theme: "World of Nelson Mandela's Dream: Introspection & Reflection."
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