When Nelson Mandela Met John Dube.

From one humble servant, to another.

Somewhere along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, in a special valley, nestled amongst the lush, green, rolling hills of Inanda, lies a sacred place, one that is steeped in history with a legacy that has served to inspire many a leader for well over a century.

Here in this place, stands an institution, a testament to one mans belief, a man who dared to dream and pursued it for his people… a leader and a believer, a one Mr John Langalibalele Dube.

Here he built the Ohlange Institute, a place built on self reliance, that was self empowered, equipping people with skills to meet the demands of a challenging world.

A great man, once said these wise words, upon release from prison, to a changing world that awaited him:

“I stand here before you, not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.”

Those words echoed the spirit of John Langalibalele Dube, a man that always saw himself as a servant to his people.

And in 1994, for South Africa’s first democratic election, this same great man, chose to cast his vote at the same hallowed institution that had once seen the likes of Chief Albert Luthuli pass through it. The “Ohlange Institute”.

This was more than a symbolic gesture, much more than a changing of the guard, this was just reward, a showing of respect in the highest of regard.

But that did not stop the great man there, he proceeded out to the grounds of this sanctified place, to where John “Langalibalele” Dube lay.

And this man, as he stood by the grave, this Nelson “Rolihlahla” Mandela, said:

“I am here before you Mr. President, to report to you, that South Africa is free, and now may your soul rest in peace.”

*John Dube was the first president of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC). He was also, a not too distant neighbour of Mahatma Gandhi, who stayed not far from him, whilst he lived in South Africa. Both were inspired by each others undertakings, and each others fight.