By Robert Guthrie
Senior Reporter
DUMFRIES, Scotland – The pillar of multi-racial democracy
and the architect of a free South Africa is gone.
and the architect of a free South Africa is gone.
The death of Nelson Mandela was a sad moment in the UnitedKingdom. The uninvited, yet inevitable arrived
December 5. Instantly, social media was buzzing with messages of condolence and
compassion, appreciation and admiration, from all corners of the globe.
The atmosphere all around was dour and stern. Bouquets
flooded memorials.
flooded memorials.
Probably one of the most memorable and appreciated leaders
of all time, Mandela is one human being that I simply adore. I have the utmost
respect for him.
of all time, Mandela is one human being that I simply adore. I have the utmost
respect for him.
His compassion, forgiveness and tenacity is contagious. Bynow, everybody knows his story, including his hard slog fighting for the end to
such a disgusting regime.
In my view, apartheid is one of the biggest disgraces upon
this world to date. To think that such heartless individuals in South Africa
imposed a ruthless system of racial segregation upon innocent citizens is
heart-breaking. For me, the worst part of it is that the white Afrikaners tried
to crush the dominant black race. Life was limited in all measures, something
which should never have been allowed to happen.
this world to date. To think that such heartless individuals in South Africa
imposed a ruthless system of racial segregation upon innocent citizens is
heart-breaking. For me, the worst part of it is that the white Afrikaners tried
to crush the dominant black race. Life was limited in all measures, something
which should never have been allowed to happen.
It has been enthralling to see the British response to
Mandela over the years.
Mandela over the years.
Former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, referred to Nelson
Mandela as a ‘terrorist,’ probably due to the very unlikely threat to the
British Empire since South Africa had been a member state of the Commonwealth. In
1990, when invited to meet with Thatcher, Mandela accepted and proclaimed that
Thatcher was now a friend.
Mandela as a ‘terrorist,’ probably due to the very unlikely threat to the
British Empire since South Africa had been a member state of the Commonwealth. In
1990, when invited to meet with Thatcher, Mandela accepted and proclaimed that
Thatcher was now a friend.
An important lesson can be learned from this. Mandela was
always such a humble human being, and in his later years showed that any
problem could be solved simply through colloquy and compromise. He approached
each predicament with such method and acceptance.
always such a humble human being, and in his later years showed that any
problem could be solved simply through colloquy and compromise. He approached
each predicament with such method and acceptance.
While I was not alive at the time of Mandela’s release from
prison or inauguration as president, I know there is much to learn about
Mandela’s “walk to freedom.” His own calmness is one of the most prominent
lessons.
prison or inauguration as president, I know there is much to learn about
Mandela’s “walk to freedom.” His own calmness is one of the most prominent
lessons.
I’m sad that Mandela had his time for appreciating
the good things about life shortened by his soul-destroying 27 years in prison,
much of it on the notorious Robben Island.
the good things about life shortened by his soul-destroying 27 years in prison,
much of it on the notorious Robben Island.
It’s a shame that he did not get to
spend as much time with his family as he probably would have wanted and that was
denied the chance to go to his mother’s funeral.
spend as much time with his family as he probably would have wanted and that was
denied the chance to go to his mother’s funeral.
However, Nelson Mandela contributed so
much to humanity outside of those long years for which he was imprisoned. He
furthered equality in South Africa and made all citizens feel welcome, a
statement which can be emphasised by the fact that in 1994, the country’s flag
was redesigned with six different colours showing the range of backgrounds of
the people of South Africa.
much to humanity outside of those long years for which he was imprisoned. He
furthered equality in South Africa and made all citizens feel welcome, a
statement which can be emphasised by the fact that in 1994, the country’s flag
was redesigned with six different colours showing the range of backgrounds of
the people of South Africa.
Though living his life, Mandela motivated,
inspired and encouraged so many of us.
inspired and encouraged so many of us.
His death is something not to be
depressed about, but a cause to celebrate his life and all that Mandela was –
all that he contributed to our global society.
depressed about, but a cause to celebrate his life and all that Mandela was –
all that he contributed to our global society.
As American poet Maya Angelou said,
“His day is done.”
“His day is done.”
Yes. Nelson Mandela’s day is done. But
his legacy will continue for years, decades and centuries to come.
his legacy will continue for years, decades and centuries to come.
A good perspective.
However, I think it is important to note that Apartheid was not only perpetrated by White Afrikaners but also by White English speakers in South Africa.
Contrary to popular belief, Afrikaans was not the sole language of the oppressor. In fact, a great percentage of Afrikaans-speakers are themselves non-white.
Thanks for your input. Interesting – didn't know that! 🙂