Pick up the fallen spear

It appears that in the current ANC the values of hard work, honest, decency and unselfish service to society count for little.

The Mandela generation was more politically honest with itself, the party and supporters than the current leaders.

Mandela's generation did not go for easy populism, but for politeness and respect for others, even if one disagreed with them.

Sadly, the current crop of ANC leaders is defensive. The lack of honesty in South Africa's political, economic and social debates has become so severe that it is undermining effective delivery of public services, the country's economic prosperity and the consolidation of democracy itself.

In the name and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the mantle of struggle falls on the current generation of youth to take forth the struggle to build the type of society Mandela said he was prepared to die for.

As others proclaim that in his death the spear has fallen, as the youth we should be the first of this country to ensure that we pick it up and continue with the struggle.

Some say the candle has been blown out by the strong winds of death, but we, the youth, shall use it to brighten a better South Africa.

Irrespective of the inequalities, poverty and want that we find ourselves in , we share Mandela's vision: that of resolving our racial, class and gender contradictions in the most peaceful ways available. We shall not allow his legacy to be ruined in exchange for temporary political fortunes.