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Madiba was conscious of his human flaws, frailty: Ramaphosa

By Staff Writer 17 Jul 2018 1 Min Read Save

Last updated: 17 Jul 2018, 19:19

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), addresses the World Aids Day national commemoration event at the Walter Sisulu University Stadium, Umthatha, Eastern Cape. South Africa. 1/12/2017. Siyabulela Duda

President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the crowd gathered at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg where the Nelson Mandela Lecture is taking place that Madiba’s greatest quality was his humanity.

Ramaphosa says Mandela ensured under his leadership that the ANC became a global leader in the fight for human rights. He received a rousing welcome at the stadium along with Obama and former first lady, Grace Machel.

Ramaphosa says Mandela always remained conscious of his human flaws and frailty.

“As we reflect on an extraordinary life we are abound to acknowledge that the greatest trade of this son of the African soil was really his humanity. He was hailed as a global icon and he is memorialised in many parts of the world his likeness adorns our national currency yet his most enduring accomplishments was to teach us what it means to be human. As South Africans we are proud to say he was one of us.”

Community 100 years u2013 Nelson Mandela centenary Cyril Ramaphosa