Nelson Mandela: The world celebrates an African Hero
by Betty Kayton
As Nelson Mandela celebrates his 85th birthday, I am struck by the many faces of this political icon and champion of the African people.
At an age when most men are enjoying a relaxing retirement, Madiba (as he is affectionately known in South Africa) still works tirelessly and remains a public figure sought out by celebrities and leaders throughout the world.
What makes him so popular? Why is it, that three years after declining to re-run for the South African presidency, his every move, utterance and opinion is still so closely documented by the media? Why is it that the mere mention of his name at a public gathering still elicits a frenzied roar of appreciation and support from the crowd? What makes him so revered the world over?
Is it perhaps the 27 years that Mandela spent incarcerated in jail, his dedication to the cause of liberty for his people or is it his reluctant acceptance of the role of leader of the struggle, thrust upon him by prejudice and injustice? Is it his outspokenness, his refusal to be cowed, his stubborn tenacity or his plain-speaking earthiness? Or is it something deeper, a recognition of something untouchable, something both intrinsic and unique, that explains the allure of Madiba?
The media has dubbed this allure "the Madiba Magic", a charm which comes through in his photographs -- from his carefree smile, his joyful dancing at political rallies, his arm raised in the salute of the freedom struggle or his warm reception by ordinary men and women, their eyes bursting with pleasure, hands outstretched to greet him.
Here is a man graced with that elusive quality so rarely exhibited by statesmen and leaders throughout history and across the globe. It is a quality that many aspire to and that so few possess, a quality that cannot be bought, manufactured or copied. That quality is wisdom. The wisdom to listen when others are quick to judge, to offer caution when others rush to act and to remain impartial when others hurry to take sides. Yet, while remaining the voice of objectivity, he is not afraid to speak his mind.
With the world's eye focused upon him on his release from jail on February 11, 1990, his was the voice of reason, preaching the gospel of peace and reconciliation, yet challenging his oppressors to real change, real democracy. "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 live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve, if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
I believe that, in the years following his release, his first vote at the age of 75 and his subsequent election as South Africa's first black president, were it not for Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa would be a different place today. During his presidency he achieved the seemingly impossible -- uniting a nation torn by poverty and strife, a nation deeply scarred by the ravages of apartheid. He has helped to build bridges of reconciliation and sown the seeds of self-determination.
Madiba has set an example. He has set the standard and the tone. He has sprinkled his magic and shown us the path towards healing and reconstruction. He has laid down the foundation for South Africa to become the leader of the African Renaissance.
At the stage in his life when he could be enjoying rest and relaxation, he tirelessly travels to neighbouring war-torn countries, dispensing his wisdom and experience in helping to achieve peace. He is constantly fighting the cause of the poor and the homeless, challenging both conventional and mystical thinking, struggling to bring his people into the 21st century.
Whether it's opening schools, shooting advertisements for the fight against Aids or visiting children in hospitals, his is an unflagging energy, a joyous spirit, revelling in life and its promise. He is a man who realises his unique position in this world and the power he has to bring people to the negotiating table. He is a man acutely aware that his time is limited and who is driven by the desire to do all he can in the time he has left.
When I see pictures of Madiba, I see a man who has looked at the world, seen that it is imperfect and struck out to change it. A man who has chosen a path that has been as treacherous as it has been difficult. A man who has endured much and influenced many. A man who has come out of the darkness to embrace the light.
He is a hero.
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