Obama sings Madiba’s song

AWRY: WORLD HAS STRAYED FROM HIS LEGACY

Obama reminds of Nelson Mandela’s ideals of social justice and democracy.

Former US president Barack Obama’s Mandela centenary lecture struck the right chord. It was a forceful reminder of how far humanity has come over the past century – as well as the world’s current tensions and uncertainties.

It was also a reminder of how we need to keep the hope and spirit alive of a world in which social justice and democracy can prevail. A world in which tolerance, inclusivity and the pursuit of a common good can be the norm.

Nelson Mandela was a humble, visionary, leader seeking to bridge the divides between north and south to promote a common humanity, to reinvigorate multilateralism, to fight inequality and provide a moral compass for the world.

His ideas about attaining peace in Africa through negotiation and mediation and creating more inclusive societies is one that still shapes conflict management on the continent.

In South Africa his contribution remains his vision of a democratic society that eschews tribalism and patronage politics, and a collective and servant leadership.

The last decade has seen a shift from Mandela’s vision. Globally, multilateralism is under threat by rogue states, “America first” forms of engagement and the return to militarised solutions for resolving conflict.

The continent has lost its way in implementing the ideals of pan-Africanism. Today it’s constrained by narrow nationalist and authoritarian politics, and by high levels of poverty and inequality.

Mandela’s legacy is probably under the most threat in South Africa where we have deviated substantively from integrity, humility, non-racialism, participation, eradicating inequality and empowering all.

Obama’s speech was powerful because it drew on all these themes.

His key points were, firstly, that we are at a crossroads. What we have built and achieved over the last 100 years is being contested by those who espouse the politics of fear and resentment, fuelled by the contradictions of globalisation, failures of governance and political elites that have assumed a monopoly of power.

It’s in direct opposition to the values, ideals and principles embodied by Madiba and the many who fought for democracy and freedom. It is uncertain which will win. But we need to resist the cynicism, the divisions, hatred, corruption and be guided by universal principals, love, and servant collective leadership.

Secondly, that our biggest challenge is technology. Artificial intelligence threatens job security and forces us to find creative ways of generating employment.

Thirdly, democracy is still the best vehicle to achieve social justice. But it needs to be part of civic culture and driven by young people who are passionate about building a new society.

Obama reminded us of our own duties and responsibilities to protect our democratic gains. That we are interdependent, and therefore have a common destiny.

Cheryl Hendricks is the executive director at the Africa Institute of South Africa, Human Sciences Research Council.

This article was first published on Conversation and has been edited.

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