Nelson Mandela led South Africa’s transition from white-minority to black rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison on Robben Island, for his political activities.
Mr Mandela will be remembered as the man who brought an end to apartheid and delivered the nation from the brink of civil war. He had been receiving intensive medical care at home for a lung infection after spending three months in hospital, he died peacefully at home.
Janet Hills, Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, said Mr Mandela recognised unfair treatment, inequality and injustice that black people suffers throughout their lives, in all nations. She recited one of Nelson memorable quote ” Let the strivings of us all prove Martin Luther King to have been correct, when he said that humanity can no longer be tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war. Let the efforts of us all prove that he was not a mere dreamer when he spoke of the beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace being more precious than diamonds or silver or gold. Let a new age dawn.”
Mrs Hills, the first female chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, said the MetBPA has been inspired by the way in which Nelson Mandela showed strength and courage in the face of adversity when seeking equality for all. The work he has started will continue to be a shining example of justice and peace and his legacy will continue to inspire a generation of people to reach their full potential.
We at the MetBPA send our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Nelson Mandela at this time of great sadness.