NELSON MANDELA: AN UNCOMMON LEADER
It was Thucydides, the Greek historiographer in a funeral oration of Pericles over his fallen Athenian warriors that said, ‘That their virtues shall not only be celebrated by inscription on stone in their own country, but it will abide in the memory of other men in all lands.’ This quote underscores the true testimonial of the life and times of Nelson Mandela.
Indeed, Mandela was an inspiration to many around the world. His reputation as leader and a father - figure to the young and old was never in doubt. He was a beacon of hope for the oppressed and the marginalized. He stood tall amongst men and he had a large heart that accommodated all. Admittedly, he had all attributes and visions that South Africa and the World needed for true justice and reconciliation that would propel humanity towards sustainable peace and social harmony.
This illustrious son of Africa was educated at the University of Fort Hare and later at the University of Witwatersrand, qualifying in law in 1942. He became involved with the African National Congress (ANC), a multi-racial nationalist movement determined to bring a lasting change on the policy of forced segregation because of race (apartheid). Mandela was the symbol of the resistance and struggle to end apartheid. His determination to fight for freedom led to his life imprisonment in the Robben Island.
Interestingly, the celebration of his 100 years posthumous birthday has rekindled hope in humanity as the world is united in celebrating this uncommon leader of the 21st century.
This tribute highlights some of the lessons that Africa’s leaders and indeed the global world should distil from the meekness, humility, struggle, courage and the grace of mind that Madiba brought to humankind.
Above all, this 100 years posthumous celebrations should be seen as a new dawn for sustainable peace and development in Africa, a continent that is contagious with violent conflict, leadership deficit and chronic poverty of the mind and the inability of our political officeholders to let go of power and office even when they have outlived their relevance in piloting state affairs.
Nelson Mandela was a keen believer in the diversity of the human race. He encouraged and nurtured authentic democracy by deepening active support for citizen’s participation in institutions, processes and social and political culture in South Africa. His optimism of political power shifting towards people and citizens taking control of their own rights and destiny was the best in Africa. Madiba in one of his public engagements observed that overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.
Against this backdrop, the greatest tribute to Mandela by African leaders and indeed the West should go beyond political rhetoric that has characterised the print and the electronic media since his demise; it should grate our consciences to redefine leadership on the continent.
Sadly, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation had announced in six years that it found no winner for the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. It was indeed a shame that no political leader could emerge winner!
However, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ex- President of Liberia won the 2017 prize money of $5 million dollars and indeed the first women on the continent to have demonstrated such an exceptional leadership!
Furthermore, it should be noted that one of the major conditions for winning this highly coveted award is that nominees must be democratically elected leaders who have stepped down from office willingly, after serving their constitutionally mandated terms during which they must have demonstrated excellence in office. I think this is a major challenge to our leaders who refused to emulate.