WSO Remembers Nelson Mandela

Ottawa (December 6, 2013):  The World Sikh Organization of Canada expresses condolences on the passing of Nelson Mandela.  Mandela was a legendary human rights activist and leader who helped end the apartheid system in South Africa.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing South Africa’s racist apartheid system which segregated people on the basis of ‘race’.  After his release in 1990, Mandela worked tirelessly to end apartheid and bring the people of South Africa together.  His victory in the 1994 presidential elections marked the beginning of a new era in South Africa. 

WSO President Prem Singh Vinning said, “we remember Nelson Mandela as an icon of freedom and peace.  Despite his long imprisonment and the injustices he faced, he never lost hope and never abandoned his dream of freeing his people.  Mandela’s example will continue to inspire human rights activists and those struggling to end injustice for generations to come.”

WSO senior policy advisor Gian Singh Sandhu said, “the WSO had the privilege of presenting Mr. Mandela with a plaque in honour of his achievements in 1990, that continues to hang in the Robben Island Museum.  For Sikhs, Mr. Mandela was an inspirational example of how one man can challenge oppression and make a difference.  His example will certainly not be forgotten.”

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.