Even though he was of advanced age and in increasingly frail health, we had over the past few years, and especially over the past few months, jealously clung to his presence in our lives.

As a Department studying the essence of local and international politics, his impact has been indelible. This has been the case not only in our academic studies, but also in our personal lives. Madiba was so much more than an inspirational freedom fighter and iconic president of South Africa: he transcended the bitter divides of our country’s history, to become a “father” to the new South African nation – the only political “father” we have ever had. It is very, very difficult for us to think of democratic South Africa without his crinkly smile, deep voice and slow, tall walk.

As the news of his passing spread, we were also reminded of just how much this icon impacted the rest of the world. Our Department has been inundated with messages of condolences, and testimonies to the difference this great man had made. From IR scholar Tim Dunne, we received this message, and we quote it because it encapsulates what so many others have communicated to us over the past few hours:

“I woke up this morning to the news of Mandela's death. He was your father first and foremost, yet he was our leader too.  He shaped my formative political consciousness.  As a young student, it was Mandela who taught me that what was happening in South Africa also mattered in a small corner of England. My thoughts will be with you over the coming days. I will be watching the pictures, singing the songs, and remembering his courageous journey.”

Hamba kahle, Madiba. We will never forget you.