Emulate Mandela - Mpezeni
By Staff Reporter
Wed 11 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni says very few leaders can match Nelson Mandela's leadership qualities.

And Lusaka mayor Daniel Chisenga and South African High Commission counsellor Patrick Jacobs yesterday opened the laying of wreaths at the Rhino Statue at Longacres in Lusaka yesterday.

After leading his Ngoni chiefs, Madzimawe and Nzamane, in signing the book of condolences at the High Commission yesterday, Mpezeni said Mandela's leadership should be emulated by all as he suffered for his people.

He said Zambian leaders should take a leaf from Mandela's heart for the people.

Mpezeni said Mandela suffered for the people, and that very few people in Africa, having been imprisoned for many years, would handover power after a couple of years.

After laying the wreaths, Jacobs said Zambia played a central role in the liberation of South Africa.

"If it was not for the support and for the encouragement from people of Zambia and its leaders, South Africa would not be where it is today and for that, we are eternally grateful to the people of Zambia and its leadership," he said.

And Chisenga said South Africa and Zambia were like an extension of one big country.

"We have always enjoyed this relationship. For us losing a great man like Mandela is like losing our own here. And we commend the Republican President Michael Sata for declaring seven days of national mourning," said Chisenga.

World leaders converged in South Africa for a funeral service for Mandela who will be put to rest on Sunday.