Mandela, Buthelezi are stalwarts of SA’s freedom
AS THE world celebrates Mandela Day, which is the birthday of our international icon Nelson Mandela, the day means different things to various people across the globe.
For us South Africans, it is imperative to contextualise what he did for the country. And in so doing, we will not be elevating him to the status of a paragon of human perfection. We also need to ask ourselves serious questions, the biggest of which is: What do we really draw from his life? How can we beef up our efforts through his contributions to build this country and make it a better place?
I will forever remain grateful to him for being a person of integrity after he acknowledged the role played by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in the liberation of SA.
This was not something easy to do, it needed a person with guts to stand for that truth as Buthelezi is leader of the rival IFP.
This is what prompted Madiba to say: “Buthelezi is a freedom fighter in his own right. We have tried to use every ammunition to destroy him but failed.”
Both leaders had one thing in mind during those dark days of apartheid – to liberate this country and unite its people regardless of their political affiliations.
That is why Buthelezi believed in a multi-strategy approach in fighting and dismantling apartheid. This is still his political philosophy in serving the poorest of the poor.
Mandela was forever mindful that Buthelezi single-handedly kept his name alive in the hearts and minds of his fellow South Africans when he and other leaders were either in exile or behind bars.
And when Mandela was released on February 11 1990, this political landmark became a moment of vindication in Buthelezi’s political leadership as history always proved him right. Buthelezi’s uncompromising principles, remaining resolute in his mission and indefatigable gusto in fighting for what was right were crowned.
This is what had prompted him to tell former Nationalist Party leaders, including PW Botha and FW de Klerk, that he would not enter into any negotiations about the future of this country unless Madiba and all political prisoners were released unconditionally. The relationship between Madiba and Buthelezi was of mutual respect, and although they did not agree on many issues they admired each other’s contribution in building and shaping this country. And as we celebrate Mandela Day, we need not forget that the road to successes is always under construction. These two leaders used every opportunity to encourage young people to improve their skills through education.
When schools were burnt and the country was in flames, Buthelezi said: “Every time a black child passes matric that is a huge blow against apartheid. We need not burn these schools and the whole infrastructure because the greatest struggle will be waged after obtaining the political liberation. We will have to fight ignorance and poverty.”
We will forever remain grateful to Madiba for preaching the gospel of valuing education. He raised funds to build many schools and approached the captains of many industries for donations to better the lives of poor black children. This will remain his lasting legacy.