A Magnificent Man not a Messiah

Today’s a day of celebration of life rather than mourning.  Yet what I’m about to say here may not be the slant that much of the media flock are taking.  Partly in that it’s my personal view, but also because if one truly reflects on the past 23 years of Nelson Mandela’s life, we may remember moments with mixed emotions throughout that tumultuous time in South Africa’s history. 

There is no doubt that Nelson Mandela was an incredible man, one who endured so much and yet retained his humility, integrity, humour and genuine, personable character throughout his latter life. His approach to listening to both sides first, thoroughly, and then taking a stance is something that I learned very early on in my adult life, thanks in part to him, and is perhaps the thing that stands out personally as his legacy more than anything else.  Having been very fortunate to have shared a small, intimate lunch with he, his daughter Zindzi and other MP’s at his 80th birthday party held at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park in 1998,  what struck me was, as clichéd as it may sound, just how very down to earth and normal a man he was.  He was totally unaffected by any of the fuss around him, although being an intimate affair, there wasn't much of that fortunately.  My mother too had the fortune of meeting Nelson Mandela, having been very involved through her work in the ANC over many years, but more specifically The Children's Foundation and has some personal, very touching letters from him that I came across only last week.

Nelson Mandela & Liz Castle

Despite it having been a special life, he was a man often placed on a pedestal by many, almost unrealistically, as he was forced into being a statesman due to the brand that 'Nelson Mandela' had become in his absence.  It was a brand that meant many things to many people, depending upon what they wanted it to mean to them, much like one imagines the meaning of Jesus or Mohammed to some through the ages.  The result being that the ‘Brand’ itself became far greater than the man and the ANC themselves.  People are quick to give all the credit to Madiba for the peaceful transition to democracy, yet he was guided by so many.  One particular incident that stands out, and only emerged many years later, was how Joe Slovo influenced Mandela into making the calm, peace forging speech that he did immediately after Chris Hani’s assassination.  That was a turning point.  Again he was talked into donning the No.6 jersey and walking out into Ellis Park stadium, not something he came up with himself, but again a turning point in history.  But to his credit he had the humility, brutal honesty and ability to listen to reason and wisdom.  Traits which most of our world leaders have sorely lacked through the ages.  

We must remember that Mandela came a long way from an advocate of Communism and Nationalism (not too different from Julius Malema’s current agenda) at the time of his release and a few years into negotiation, to where his policies evolved at the end of his term in Government to a more moderate, level-headed, Capitalist lead democracy with some Socialist tendencies. He was certainly not perfect, but a remarkable man with a unique legacy and revered by leaders around the world.

What disturbs me however is how much of the outside world see him as some sort of Messiah. Much like they may have treated a fellow named Jesus 2000 odd years ago, who was merely a man going about his business of preaching the Torah and trying to help his fellow villagers to help themselves, through hope and sensitivity.  Mandela was a man, a great man that’s for sure, but a mere mortal human being who made the right choices when it came down to it and helped leave a legacy that is worth striving to emulate in many ways.  A man who sacrificed family life for his political beliefs and aspirations, and yet had time to make up for it to some degree later in life.  Celebrate this man’s life, but guard against giving him all the credit for how South Africa got through the transitional phase of democracy and the rainbow nation ideal that prevails.  Expats fear not; South Africa will not go down the tubes because Mandela is no more.  Though, perhaps he was not vocal enough, perhaps due to his health, as to the awful state his beloved ANC has found itself in and the country dragging along with it.  It is now time for some fresh and drastic changes on the political landscape, and if Mandela’s legacy can aid us in that process, then I'm all for it.