Nelson Mandela entered the realm of global history these many years now as a figure emblematic of the universal struggle against racism and xenophobia; as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. All humanity bids him farewell at a time when, unfortunately, many of the attainments of democratic political culture are being called into question. Let us hope that his name and his image serve always as point of reference with substantial institutional and social content.
December 6, 2013