Nelson Mandela: Social media commentators celebrate hero

When the news spread, the social media streets expectedly became busy, for the Mandela name has over the years sunk into the consciousness of people all over the world. Even the uneducated who don’t really know the history behind the name have heard it mentioned here and there. Mandela had grown to become a household […]

When the news spread, the social media streets expectedly became busy, for the Mandela name has over the years sunk into the consciousness of people all over the world. Even the uneducated who don’t really know the history behind the name have heard it mentioned here and there. Mandela had grown to become a household name.   
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was eponymous with the struggles for survival of the South African people during the apartheid regime, when the white supremacists subjected blacks to a whole load of injustice. Mandela rose to speak up against the white lords, defying the torture and a life term in prison that attended his courage.
Rarely has anybody been so globally celebrated on the social media. Of course, the world had been monitoring his journey to eventual transition since he began going in and out of the hospital theatre, battling a lung disease. When the South African president announced the death of the Madiba, the whole world rose, not in mourning, but in celebration of the life of one of the greatest men that ever existed.
Lots of tributes and encomiums continue to pour in from all over the world on the social media.
Emmanuel Odoemenam had this to say, “Many have gone but your presence is what we will miss. Your words are still in our minds every time we speak of the good fight you fought for us, especially for South Africans.”
Dung Sunday called Mandela “a hero” and he called on the South African government to follow his footsteps.
In celebrating Mandela’s life, South Africans have been exploiting the opportunity to vent their spleen against incumbent president, Jacob Zuma.  South Africans booed Zuma last week when he attended the memorial service for Mandela in Soweto. They spoke of their disillusionment with Zuma’s administration, after Mandela’s had promised democratic goodies for his countrymen.
On social media, Ella Mokone had this to say of Zuma, “It is because of the many scandals. He’s wasting money, building houses for his wives and children”
Shadrach Monnakgotla fumed, “Madiba never gave his family tenders. But our current president is enjoying, working for his family. Madiba worked for the people, but Zuma is not.”
Phumzile Vilakaza complained they (South Africans) were fed up with the taxes, toll-gates and hikes in the prices of foodstuff when lots of them have no jobs.
Emeka Nwokeocha expressed, “Zuma is a corrupt leader, simple.”
Another Facebook commentator, Mikang Peshep queried, “Why should a corrupt South African leader be allowed to make a speech?”
South Africa has experienced rapid growth but millions are still living in slums in its major towns and cities. Twenty per cent have no running water and 10 per cent have no electricity in a country where many have private swimming pools and use electric fences.
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