Nelson Rolihlahla
Mandela
1918-2013. Madiba*
Nelson Mandela was released from prison in
1990. I was a sophomore at University and recall watching his
release on TV. Mandela was in jail for 27 years. I was 19 years old when he was
released. From the day I was born through my sophomore year at University Mandela was
behind bars, without rights. He was released in February—a bone chilling time
of year in the Northeast United States. In South Africa, Mandela walked into the warm,
ocean sea air of Cape Town to embrace freedom for the first time in his life.
My sophomore year at University, behind a comfortable
desk, I had the luxury of studying African Studies with amazingly challenging
professors. We studied democracy in Africa,
colonialism and the struggle for independence. I studied Swahili in preparation
of a semester abroad in Kenya, an incredible and privileged opportunity
that shaped my future. Meanwhile, Mandela, from prison, was negotiating the
rebirth of South Africa, which resulted in the end of the apartheid system and
a one man one vote system.
Today, it is 23 years later, and Mandela just
passed away. I have lived in Africa since 2007. The country is vastly different
as a result of Mandela’s leadership.
Today in South Africa and around the world
people are saddened to the core about the loss of Mandela. A leader like no
other. Today, in a world where we long for leaders and role models, Mandela’s
passing is felt deeply.
Mandela said ‘A good head and a good heart are
always a formidable combination.’ He had both.
Humble. Inspiring. Courageous. Extraordinary. Genuine.
“During my lifetime, I have dedicated
myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white
domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the
ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together
in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live
for. But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to
die."
This was the famous statement he made in April
1964 from the court dock at the opening of his defense case in the Rivonia
trial. His defense team thought him mad, he was sealing his fate, confessing to
breaking the law. For Mandela it was a law he would not respect and he spoke
what was true to his heart.
After 27 years in prison Mandela did the
unthinkable, he forgave, he reconciled, he broke bread with the ‘enemy’ and he
brought South Africa together as one nation. The world watched in awe.
Today I am in Pretoria, South Africa. I am
standing with 100,000 people who have come from far and wide to bid farewell to
a leader who stood for freedom and integrity. For three days here in Pretoria
Mandela’s body rests in the Parliament building for the public to view. The
diversity of people is staggering—all colors, ages, and walks of life. A
fitting tribute to the man who helped shape the Rainbow Nation.
The number of people gathered is
incomprehensible. For over six hours we stand in the hot sun, patiently waiting
to say a proper thank you to the man who gave up so much for his country and
his people. The umbrellas we brought for rain are used as sun umbrellas,
shielding us from the fierce sun. A woman stands in line ahead of us. She is
dressed elegantly in a black dress, black heals and a lovely black hat. She has
the South African flag draped over her like a pashmina. A South African family
of five is directly behind us. The three children are under the age of seven.
The father wants his kids to remember Mandela and if it is by remembering the
day Daddy made them wait in line for hours, so be it. I sit under a tree at one
point to rest while my husband holds our spot in line. An elderly gentleman
sits next to me. He says ‘The man waited 27 years in jail, we can wait in a cue”.
Mandela is someone who showed us what true
leadership is all about—he lived what he preached, he thought of his people and
country, before himself.
I am privileged to have been a part of the 10
days of recognition for Mandela in South Africa. Earlier in the week I was in Cape
Town. Cape Town is an incredible city that starkly demonstrates the difference
between rich and poor. Under its soil lies a long history. Walking along the
waterfront is a clear view of Robben Island, where Mandela spent most of his
jail time. One evening we participated in a memorial at the beautiful city hall,
where Mandela gave his first public speech after leaving prison. Today there
are mountains of flowers at the base of the marble stairs. There are flags from
all over the world, pictures, cards, poems, candles, stuffed animals, tributes
and love. It is evening and the salty Cape Town air graces the crowd. Again, a
diverse and large gathering is here, paying their respects. The memorial host
walks through the crowd with a microphone asking people to share why they are
here and what it is they want to say to Madiba. Young and old say thank you.
Some cry, in appreciation for what he did for them, testifying that they would
not have had the opportunities in their life that they did without him. Others
celebrate his amazing life. A man from Chile thanks him for setting an example
for other countries. A girl from Soweto, where the struggle took root, thanks
him for her education. The tributes last through the night.
“The brave man is not he who does not feel
afraid, but he who conquers that fear." –Mandela
Earlier in the week, the day after he died, I
visited his house outside of Johannesburg. I parked the car a half mile from
his home in suburbia Johannesburg and joined the crowds walking the street
towards his home. A pilgrimage. People carried flowers. Families with
strollers. Children with flags. Elderly women with canes, walking, to pay their
respects. Women walking, singing, never have I witnessed the spontaneous
outburst of song. Struggle songs, freedom songs. At his house, piles of flowers
spilled out onto the road. People sang, danced, laughed and cried. People
paraded through the street in song, holding framed pictures of him. A 10-year
old boy gently placed a South African flag over the flowers, adjusting it to
make sure it was perfect. An elderly woman said a prayer a laid lovely purple
hydrangea on the flowers. Others stood, stared, and soaked in the scene. The
vigil continued through the night.
Mandela lived a full life. 97 years. To think
that he lived that long after spending so much time in prison is another
remarkable aspect of his life. Mandela is the first to admit his was not a
saint. 'I am not a saint,
unless you think of a saint as a
sinner who keeps on trying.' He reminds us of what it means to be human. To
strive for greatness, what is right, and the reality of tripping, falling and
getting up again. He taught us to live life to its fullest. Not to shy from
challenges. And to fight for what is right, nothing less.
“There is no passion to be found playing
small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of
living.” – Mandela.
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Mandela
The void is palpable in
South Africa. Despite him being ill for the past few years, his absence is felt
deeply. People wonder what will happen to South Africa. What will happen to his
legacy? It is now upon all of us to
ensure his legacy lives forever and to continue his life’s work of making this
world a fairer and better place. To strive for excellence and extraordinary
outcomes, nothing less. As the globe spirals with tribal, ethnic, religious,
environmental and racial conflict, Madiba’s life should teach us how to walk a
path of reconciliation. We owe it to him.
*A Xhosa term used for
Mandela, indicating a great sign of respect and endearment. Madiba is what he
is commonly referred to in South Africa.
