The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu, has called on South African leaders to uphold the enduring ideals of the late Nelson Mandela by promoting tolerance, reconciliation, Pan-Africanism and respect for human dignity, while bringing an end to recurring xenophobic attacks in the country.
Aremu made the call in a statement issued on Saturday in Ilorin to commemorate the 2026 Nelson Mandela Day, observed globally on July 18.
The statement, ”igned by the institute’s spokesperson, Mrs Solomon Rachel, said Mandela’s leadership laid the foundation for South Africa’s peaceful democratic transition after decades of apartheid through tolerance, forgiveness and inclusive governance.
READ ALSO: ITUC-Africa Condemns Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa
According to Aremu, true leadership is defined not by domination but by the ability to unite people across political, ethnic and ideological divides.
He described the recent attacks on undocumented immigrants in South Africa as a betrayal of Mandela’s legacy, stressing that the late anti-apartheid icon demonstrated that lasting peace and national development could only be achieved through dialogue, inclusiveness and Pan-African solidarity.
The MINILS Director-General noted that despite spending 27 years in prison, Mandela chose forgiveness over revenge by extending reconciliation to his former adversaries in the interest of nation-building.
He said the former South African president’s example remained a timeless lesson for leaders to place the collective good above personal grievances and political differences.
Aremu also urged South African leaders to emulate Nigeria’s diplomatic approach, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had refrained from retaliatory measures that could further destabilise the African continent.
“Today offers another opportunity for South African leadership to apologise to all victims of criminal xenophobic attacks,” he said.
He further urged African leaders to embrace Mandela’s vision of a united and prosperous continent built on cooperation, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, adherence to the principles of tolerance, Pan-Africanism and constructive engagement with opposing views would preserve Mandela’s legacy and inspire a new generation committed to peace, justice and shared prosperity across Africa.
