Saturday marks the birthday of the late former statesman Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – who was born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape on 18 July 1918.

On 5 December 2013 he died – after suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection.

He was the first president of South Africa to be elected in a fully representative democratic election - as well as the country's first black head of state.

As much as it is Madiba’s birthday that we are celebrating – this year also marks the 30th anniversary of his return from Victor Verster prison.

Here at POWER 98.7 we believe that it is important to reflect on Nelson Mandela’s life – what he stood for – and the lessons he left us.

More so during this time when we as a country – and the world – are faced with one of the greatest health challenges – Covid-19.