Long live the spirit of Madiba
As the country’s first black chief executive, President Nelson Mandela used his first term of office to vigorously champion unity from the frontline and foster racial reconciliation.
AFTER the first democratic election in 1994, there were widespread fears that South Africa was on the brink of anarchy, racial division and hatred as the new government fought relentlessly to dismantle the legacy of apartheid.
But as the country’s first black chief executive, President Nelson Mandela used his first term of office to vigorously champion unity from the frontline and foster racial reconciliation.
True to his promise, Mandela stepped down in 1999 after one term as President, having largely achieved his set goals.
More than two decades later, however, it can be arguably stated that his legacy has somewhat waned during his successors’ terms of office.
If ever we needed peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, which Madiba so eloquently and charismatically emulated, we need it now.
The South Africa of today mirrors a fragmented society – brewing bitterness and whiffs of revenge and hatred. We seem to be walking on eggshells, waiting for the next Penny Sparrow or Ntokozo Qwabe’s rants of racism to fuel further dissention.
Politicians don’t seem to be helping the situation either as they craftily use the racially heated debates to boost their own electioneering campaigns.
A level-headed approach aimed at tackling institutionalised racism at the core is crucial. What would the ‘father of democracy’ have said and done about the country’s current state of affairs?
As we commemorate Madiba Day today (Monday), acts of love, kindness, unity and care will no doubt be spread across the world. If 67 minutes of goodness can bring about such change and harmony, imagine what a lifestyle of love, unity and reconciliation would do to make a better South Africa.
May the legacy of Tata live on, not just as a novel and charitable tradition once a year, but also a mindset shift to drive reconciliation.
Black or white, Indian or coloured, we are South Africans.
This is what makes South Africa unique and special worldwide– the diversity of our rainbow nation and its ability to unite despite adversity.
