The Mandela inheritance that will build a nation

NELSON Mandela is gone. A good man has left us — a man whose life symbolised much of what is exemplary in humankind. As our hearts quieten with sorrow, we must, in our moment of pausing, remember Mandela’s lessons and legacy. We, the citizens of the republic he once led, are his heirs and our inheritance is bountiful, rich and splendid.

Mandela’s legacy speaks of tenacity, courage, commitment and a relentless striving for justice — qualities we will require as we continue on our journey to build a new country and forge a nation with a common purpose.

In the days since his death, tributes and obituaries have, without fail, spoken of Mandela’s unique character, his fortitude and his amazing capacity for forgiveness. They have also spoken of his ability to turn to irritation and impatience when his views were challenged and his disavowal of the heroic status bestowed upon him. As he said many times, he was no saint.

But 27 years of incarceration, vulnerable to a prison system that set about stripping black people of dignity, taught Mandela enduring lessons. Those who knew him, speak of the remarkable transformation of this global icon from fiery revolutionary to mature leader. The man the world came to know embodied grace, reconciliation, optimism and hope.

In his book Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela wrote: “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed towards the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lies defeat and death.”

That optimism infected us, too. After his release from prison, it was Mandela’s calming presence, at the death of Chris Hani, for instance, that helped focus our nation on its ultimate goal: achieving liberty.

How could we not derive succour from Mandela’s life and the transformative power that he held inside him?

Of course there were the doubters — those who questioned his willingness to forgive his former enemies, the visit to the widow of Hendrik Verwoerd, apartheid’s chief architect, the enthusiasm with which he embraced the victorious 1995 Springbok team that comprised mostly white players.

For many, the outstretched hand of Mandela, the warmth of his smile and his receptive attitude towards white South Africans seemed too soon, almost too forced.

His government’s decision to offer reconciliation to those who had propped up apartheid was also questioned. Why allow the perpetrators of oppression to enjoy the fruits of a liberated country? Yet hindsight makes it obvious that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was an important mechanism to keep South Africa from collapsing into civil war, unable to move beyond the gaping wounds of the past.

As we continue on our journey to two decades of democracy, it is clear that Mandela’s way was indeed the right way.

We need to acknowledge that the man we admired was forced into many sacrifices — a fractured family life, the heartache of losing children, the deprivation of a jail cell, and a family that had to share him not only with the citizens of this country, but the rest of the world.

In his tribute, Joel Netshitenzhe writes: “With him, it was not what could have been, nor what initially was, but what endured to the very end: that imposing young man of peasant stock; that petulant and defiant activist in whom the ANC’s collective of young leaders of the 1940s saw qualities of leadership . . . that famous prisoner wallowing in the fortunate glory of a misfortune; that negotiator and reconciler; that manager of a vexed transition; that retiree held in even greater awe . . .”

In the days ahead, there will be uncomfortable questions. What will his party make of his legacy and purpose? Will the death of one of its greatest sons force the ANC into reflection on where it finds itself and whether the party of Jacob Zuma still embodies the spirit and morality of Mandela, Oliver Tambo and others?

As we head into next year’s elections, will Mandela’s legacy be cynically used as a means to attract votes, with the ANC exhorting us to vote for the party of Madiba? Or will the ANC draw courage from his leadership to reinvigorate a party that at times appears to have moved away from its central tenets of non-racism and non-sexism, that reacts far too weakly and inconsistently to allegations of cronyism and corruption?

There could be no greater tribute than the ANC recommitting itself to being the guiding force to strengthen our young democracy — in the name of Mandela.

Then there is the fine lesson Mandela taught the world when he stepped down from office after one term as president of this republic. It would have been altogether too easy for him to continue — forever if he was so inclined. Yet, in July 1996, he announced that he would not stand for re-election in 1999, a promise he had made when he was elected in 1994.

Nelson Mandela, the giant among leaders, has passed away. As we mourn him, the memories of his warmth, his love of children and his fierce belief in the promise of a great South African nation that could eventually rise from the destruction of apartheid should sustain us.

Netshitenzhe writes: “And so the body of staid gait and mien lies motionless, still towering in the imagery, but prostrate and hapless in the stillness of deathly silence. It exudes the permanent injunction for us to do good, to be honest, to be ethical . . . in the knowledge that, in his own words, saints are sinners who keep trying.”

Nelson Mandela has completed his long walk to freedom. Now it is his time to rest and our time to accept his inheritance of humanity and courage.