The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) wishes to extend its most heartfelt condolences to President Brahim Ghali, the Sahrawi Nation and the family of my dear friend, brother and comrade in arms H.E. Mr.Radhi-Sghaiar Bachir Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic Embassy to South Africa. This sad news reached us upon our return from our Parliamentary visit to the People’s Republic of China.
He leaves us a proud legacy of unrelenting struggle in our mutual cause of liberation of Africa’s last colonial outpost. He served this cause with distinction and utilised his presence in South Africa to be a true champion of justice, freedom and liberation.
Cde Bachir was not only passionate about the Sahrawi struggle, it was his life and we will always remember his boundless energy in mobilising for the just Sahrawi cause. He appeared at every conceivable forum from ANC National General Conferences to the corridors of parliament always lobbying support and raising awareness of the suffering of the political prisoners, the challenges of exiles in the Sahrawi diaspora and the plight of the refugees languishing in desert camps under harsh conditions yet with unbroken spirit.
Cde Bachir left an indelible memory in my mind as he assisted in facilitating my visit to Tindouf where I had the opportunity to live the Sahrawi struggle and to learn first-hand of the gallant role the Polisario Front has played in our own struggle.
We have lost a hero, a brother and a true friend of the people of South Africa and the Sahrawi nation. May his soul rest in peace and may Allah Almighty elevate his status among His elect and true servants of humanity.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un-From Allah we come and unto Allah we shall return.
Hamba Kahle -Go well.
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council and grandson of famed South African President Nelson Mandela. Member of Parliament (MP) South Africa National Assembly. All articles by Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela
