RIP Nelson Mandela

Madiba was Nelson Mandela’s clan name; it was the name people think of when they say “Madiba Magic!” Mandela inspired more than just freedom, he was the reason South Africa fought hard to win the World Cup soccer match in 1994, and then the Rugby World Cup Final beating New Zealand in 1995.

Make no mistake, he may have been a sports fan, but he was the muse of many artists. Who forgot the video of him and the Spice Girls, and him kissing Beyoncé Knowles in 2003? He was the hero of the world, everyone adored him. He was a source of strength for a lot of individuals, famous or not, it was also his ability to love and let the hatred go that made him a role model.

Mandela’s story has been made and remade: from 1996’s Mandela to this year’s Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom chronicles his suffering and his years being labelled as a terrorist. Invictus was a movie that most soccer fans remember: how South Africa became champions of World Cup 1994. Morgan Freeman did make a convincing Mandela, but the mood of excitement and happiness can be more clearly seen in the footage of 1994, when they held the trophy.

And then on to Paul Walker who died in a car accident with friend and driver, Roger Rodas, in Santa Clarita, California. The 2005 Porsche crashed and both passengers died on scene, with a minor incident of someone making off with a car part. Paul was recently filming Fast and Furious 7, and he had just filmed a movie called Hours. At present, Universal halted further filming of Fast and Furious 7 while having talks with the family about future progress.

In a space of a week, the world lost two men, apart from their known generosity, were both family men. Their family was always first, and with it their love for life. Last week we mourned the loss of an actor with a history of making people happy, this week we mourn the loss of a great leader and a pioneer of equality.

Rest in Peace: Paul Walker and Nelson Mandela.

Ailyn Koay

Sydney Unleashed is one of Australia’s premier entertainment publications exploring the latest in lifestyle trends. From Sydney’s finest restaurants, cafes and bars to the hottest in gadgets, products, and home entertainment, Sydney Unleashed is your one-stop lifestyle platform.