Qatar power shifts cannot steer thoughts away from Mandela

“HI, RIDWAAN, just checking if there have been further developments – do we know yet for sure if tomorrow is a public holiday?”

The SMS from my colleague, James, arrives at 7.22pm on Monday night. James is group editor on one of the accounts run by the publishing company whose Qatar operation I manage. Understandably, he wants to let his team know if they need to come into the office, and it’s getting pretty late in the day.

I reply: “Trying to get clarity. It’s definitely a public holiday, but if the client’s in, then it’s business as usual. If the client takes the day off, but we still have deadlines to meet, I’m happy for the team to work from home.”

The reason for the uncertainty is that earlier in the day it was announced that a regime change was to take place in this Gulf state, which has a total population of about 1.8 million people, of whom only about 300 000 are estimated to be local Qataris – but it is the richest country in the world per capita, thanks to its natural liquid gas resources.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s decision to step down as emir and ruler of Qatar, at the relatively young age of 61, is an unprecedented one in a region known for leaders who prefer to cling to power.

The outgoing emir himself ousted his father in a bloodless coup. He, however, has opted to voluntarily transfer power to his 33-year-old son, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

Not much is known about the new emir, or what his policies will be, but he seems to be groomed for succession. He will probably not deviate much from the route his father embarked on in 1995, which has resulted in Qatar punching above its weight on the world’s political stage.

My phone beeps one, twice, three times. And then a few more. The messages are coming in from various clients, and all say the same thing: “Tomorrow will be a public holiday and the office will be closed.”

I inform James and some other senior staff, asking them to let their teams know.

James responds: “Are you sure this is not a wind-up? The whole idea just seems crazy! Too late now anyway… everyone knows.”

I know where James is coming from – if the queen decided to finally vacate the throne for Prince Charles, she probably wouldn’t let the rest of country know the day before. Then again, the queen has been in power so long that it wouldn’t matter how much notice she gave, people still wouldn’t believe she was actually going to step down.

But while the outgoing emir’s decision might seem sudden, reports indicate that he has been planning his retirement for well over a year, ensuring that all would be in place for a peaceful and stress-free transition.

When the next day dawns and he addresses the nation, and the world, it becomes evident that he has achieved his objective brilliantly. In his speech, he speaks of the power of the youth, and of how it is their responsibility to move Qatar forward.

“The future lies ahead of you, children of the homeland, as you usher in a new era where young leadership hoists the banner, bearing in mind the aspirations of future generations.”

In a show of respect, the new emir bestows upon Sheikh Hamad the title of “Father Emir”, a sign also that the former ruler will not simply be easing into retirement, but will be counselling his son from within the confines of the palace.

Watching the change in rule unfold, I feel excited at being a part of history in the making, although not on the level of the changes we have been privileged to witness in South Africa.

And as exciting as Qatar’s power shift is, it’s back home where my thoughts are, where South Africa’s father and leader is facing possibly his final battle of a life filled with struggle.

It is thanks to the sacrifices of Nelson Mandela and those who fought with him for the freedom of our country, that I and other members of my generation are able to enjoy the opportunities available to us today as part of a free nation. Thank you, Tata Madiba – you are in our prayers.

Follow Bawa on Twitter @ridwaanbawa