Political vacuum left since Mandela’s death ‘filled by vultures craving wealth’
WHEN former president Nelson Mandela died three years ago, there was a leadership vacuum that was created.
This has since been occupied by political vultures who only care about amassing personal wealth, rather than serving the people that elected them.
This was the general message from speakers yesterday in Mthatha at the third anniversary of the statesman’s death.
Speakers at the remembrance event, which included Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, called on leaders to pick up the baton and carry on with Mandela’s good-hearted legacy.
The commemoration of Madiba’s death was held at the Nelson Mandela Museum in the Bhunga Building.
Other dignitaries included chief Patekile Holomisa, Public Works MEC Thandiswa Marawu, Abathembu acting king Azenathi Dalindyebo and traditional leaders.
Professor Bheki Mngomezulu pulled no punches, saying South Africa no longer had innocent politicians, but political vultures who had no respect for structures and processes.
“Madiba would not be happy. It was his integrity that brought us here,” Mngomezulu said.
“Treacherous and deceptive leadership will destroy his legacy. We have egocentric leaders who are only focused on amassing wealth for themselves.”
Political analyst Professor Somadoda Fikeni said although the country was not where it used to be, it was still not where it should be.
It was not just up to the leaders in government to uphold Madiba’s legacy and teachings but up to every individual, he said.
“Mandela was an ordinary person, the moment we fail his dream is when we say we are waiting for President [Jacob] Zuma to fix this, or to say we are waiting for the premier to fix this.
“The government alone cannot realise the dreams that Mandela had for the country.”
Fikeni said even in an era of populism and the rise of rightwing movements, many still cited Mandela as a source of inspiration.
“Mandela’s leadership was distinguished because he did not have an honesty, courage and compassion deficit,” he said.
Masualle led the lighting of 95 candles to represent the life and times of Mandela. It was followed by the release of 27 white doves, representing peace and unity.
Masualle said: “Madiba embodied unity and championed human rights throughout his life. We have indeed not gone anywhere since his time because we face a challenge of unity.”
Ndaba Mandela, one of Mandela’s grandchildren, gave a heartfelt speech and said as a family, they strive to uphold his memory, legacy and life.
“Madiba was the most revered leader in the world, he stood for freedom and justice and dedicated his life to serving people,” Ndaba said.
“This day still brings sadness but, as his grandchildren, we can only strive to reconnect ourselves with what Mandela had stood for.”