Nelson Mandela and John Dube

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 heaped 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 which 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.”

These 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 enter the hallowed institution that had once seen the likes of Chief Albert Luthuli passed through it, to cast his vote.

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, 'The ANC', He was also a not to distant neighbour of Mahatma Gandhi's whilst he stayed in South Africa. Both were inspired by each others undertakings for their peoples causes.