MISA mourns passing of Mandela

NAMIBIA - Today, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) joins the world in mourning the loss of a truly remarkable man and one of the greatest human rights defenders, Nelson Mandela.

On behalf of MISA members across southern Africa, MISA Director Ms. Zoe Titus said, "I send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Mr. Mandela's widow, Graça Machel, his children and the people of South Africa."

Mr. Mandela famously said, "√¢‚Ǩ¬¶to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."  As an organisation dedicated to helping all southern Africans claim their right to freedom of expression, these words strike at the very core of MISA's vision.

"Last night, we lost one of the greatest and most respected leaders of our time," Ms. Titus said.

"But he will never be forgotten.  MISA will continue to be inspired and driven by the legacy of Mandela's tireless pursuit of justice, human dignity and freedom as we fight for an environment where citizens are free to express themselves and claim their right to access information," she said.

Mr. Mandela's strength, courage and vision will be forever remembered, not only in southern Africa, but around the globe.