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Ninety fourth birthday today:
Nelson Mandela - 'the greatest man of the 20th century'
Premasara EPASINGHE
The twentieth century can be considered as one of the bloodiest the
world has experienced. During this century, very few great men of moral
and ethical principles emerged. I firmly believe that of these great
national patriots, leaders, freedom fighters of the 20th century, the
man who fought against apartheid, racial inequality, injustice and
autocracy and made South Africa - 'One country - one nation' -
Rolihlahla, who was named Nelson Mandela, undoubtedly occupied number
one spot in the prestigious list. Nelson Mandela is the man of the 20th
century.
Today, July 18, 2012, marks Nelson Mandela's 94th birth anniversary.
I pen these few lines to pay my humble tribute to this great icon.
Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, at Mvezo, a small village in
Umatata District, the capital of the Transkei.
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Nelson
Mandela |
To forgive and forget means to dismiss from one's mind all unkind
feelings and desire to blame and punish others. Even the men who
ill-treated, harassed him, in his 'Dark Days', in the prison cells for
nearly three decades, he forgave. His sense of mercy was unbelievable.
It shows the quality of this great leader - Nelson Mandela.
Great democratic leader
The history of the world is but a biography of great men, stated
Thomas (1795-1881) Scottish Philosopher, critic and historian. His most
successful work was Sartor Resartus (1836), combined philosophy and
autobiography. His histories include The French Revolution (1837).
Influenced by Goethe and the German romantics, he was a powerful
advocate of the significance of great leaders in history.
Nelson Mandela possessed all the qualities and ingredients that makes
a leader. He is a visionary. Mandela is passionate, creative, flexible,
innovative, courageous, imaginative. Added to these, his personality is
woven with extra version, agreeableness, consciousness, embodying
stability and openness to experience known as 'Big five' in management.
This great democratic leader had the ability to influence people
towards the attainment of his country's goals. He was a marvelous human
being. Nelson Mandela, united South Africa which consists of an area -
1,219,916 sq km (470,566 sq m), which consists of the ethnic groups -
Black 75 percent, White 14 percent, Coloured 9 percent, Asian 2 percent,
who speak the official languages - Afrikans, English, Ndebele, Sotno,
Pedi, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Then, the religious
denominations - Dutch Reformed 13 percent, Traditional Beliefs 13
percent , Zon Christians 4 percent, others 15 percent. Added to all
these, he freed a country which followed a policy of racial segregation
purchased by the South African government from 1948 to 1990, known as
Apartheid - Racial inequality and restricted rights of the non-whites
were institutionalized when the Afrikaner dominated National Party came
to power in 1948. Apartheid enforced white minority rule. It was based
on segregation in all aspects of life, including residence, land,
ownership and education.
Non-whites which consisted 80 percent of the population, were also
given separate political structures and quasi-autonomous homelands which
are called Bantugtans. Movements of the non-whites were restricted. For
the Blacks it was the worst of times. For Whites it was the best of
times.
It was under these difficult conditions, with great sacrifices Nelson
Mandela, united South Africa on 'One Country-One Nation'. This was his
greatest achievement. He was a man of compassion.
New name
You can analyze the traits of a good leader by his speech, actions
and vision. People of a country being the followers eternally have an
eye on the leader, because he is the one who will drive them to achieve
their dreams. The world admires a leader who inspires his followers,
stands by them in turmoil and shares the joy in triumph. Nelson Mandela
was committed, determined, disciplined which helped him to achieve his
ultimate goal and united South Africa.
Nelson Mandela's father's name was Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa. He was a
chief of Mvezo. Their clan name was Madiba, named after a Thembu Chief.
Henry Mphakanyiswa, had four wives. Nelson Mandela was the son of the
third wife. Her name was Nosekeni Fanny. She belongs to ama Mpemvu clan
of Xhosa. At the birth of this child, parents named this child as
Rolihlahla. You will be surprised to read and hear, that this child's
first teacher Miss Mdingane, an English Teacher, gave this child a new
name, in his first day in school, probably because the African
jaw-breaking names were difficult to pronounce. He was given a new name
Nelson Mandela.
It was the Mbekela Brothers that baptized Nelson Mandela. They
insisted the little fellow should go to school. The school was in Qunu.
There was a major problem. There was no proper dress for him to wear
when he first attended school. His father, Henry Mphakanyiswa, took one
of his trousers, made it a short.
Great orator
He wore a blanket wrapped over one shoulder. As the trouser was
large, he took a string and tightened his trouser. This was how poverty
stricken Mandela started his school career.
When Nelson Mandela was nine years, he lost his father. It was a
turning point in his life. His mother, took little Nelson, and settled
him at the residence of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, who was residing in
Mqhekezweni. He become Nelson's guardian. Here, Nelson started attending
a one-room school and studied English, Xhosa, History and Geography. His
later leadership were influenced by this great place Mqhekezweni. At the
Regents place, there gathered many people in all walks of life, they had
discussions and meeting on freedom. Mandela was probably influenced by
these meetings. They knew, the majority rule was a foreign one. From his
childhood, Nelson Mandela was a great listener - a quality of a future
leader.
As a young boy of 16, Nelson Mandela joined a Weslyan Mission School
- Clarkebury Institute. His guardian, the powerful chief's son - Justice
too studied at this institution. It was a Thembu College. When Nelson
Mandela was 19, he joined the Wesliyan College in Fort Beautist. Later,
he joined Fort Hare. Here, he studied English, Anthropology, politics,
Roman Dutch Law. Fort Hare, made him a man. He took part in sports -
cross country running, acted in a play, produced by the College Dramatic
Society titled Abraham Lincoln, -16th President of the USA, best
remembered for abolishing the unjust practice of slavery.
Mandela was a member of the students Christian Association. He taught
the Bible on Sundays in the villages. He was fortunate to meet Oliver
Tambo, who was a great influence on him.
Equal opportunities for everyone
In the 1940s, World War II broke out. As a student, Nelson Mandela,
became a supporter of Great Britain. He admired the War Prime Minister
Winston Churchill, the great orator who motivated the Englishmen against
Nazi German Fascist dictator Adolf Hitler. (1889-1945). He highly
appreciated Jan Christian Smuts (1870-1950) Prime Minister of South
Africa (1919-1924, 1939-1948), who worked with Louis Botha to establish
the Union of South Africa in 1910.
At a very young age, Nelson Mandela was nominated to stand for the
student Representative Council, which was a great achievement for a
student of Fort Hare. He was a rebel student who supported the SRC
student who fought for a satisfactory meal at the campus.
Mandela's guardian, father of Justice, looked after both of them
dearly. One day, the guardian said, "Sons, it's high time, two of you'll
marry and settle down as I might join the land of my ancestors."
This was a shocker to them. To escape marriage, both of them without
telling the Queen and Regent - Silently left home to Johannesburg. This
was a great challenge to Mandela. Later he became an attorney-at-law
passed his law at the University of South Africa and commenced
practising law with a friend.
In Johannesburg, he joined hands with African National Congress(ANC)
local leader Walter Sisulu. He also met Sidelsky who asked him not to
get involved in politics. "It brings out the worst in men", Sidelsky
said. Nelson Mandela associated Gaur Radebe - prominent member of both
African National Congress - ANC and Communist Party. He left
Johannesburg and lived in Alexendra. He joined a law firm which paid two
Sterling Pounds per week. At the end of 1942, he passed his final
examination, BA Degree. It was during this time that he attended
meetings at Township Advisory Board and the ANC. He was only an
observer. In 1943, he enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand, which
is situated in Brammfontein in North Central Johannesburg.
This great leader's main objective was to emancipate the innocent
blacks from apartheid and form a classless, colourless society with
equal opportunities for everyone in South Africa, to live peacefully and
happily. He firmly believed that the African National Congress was the
only means to effects change in South Africa.
In 1952, Chief Albert Luthuli was elected ANC president. The
Executive Council, entrusted Nelson Mandela to prepare a plan for the
ANC to operate underground. This was known as Mandela Plan or M-Plan.
While being an Attorney-at-Law, Mandela become a ANC firebrand. In the
meantime, he joined a leading Law Firm H. M. Basner. Oliver Tambo and
Nelson Mandela started their own law firm - Mandela and Tambo.
Mandela faced many problems as he was against the white government.
In April 1954, the Law Society of Transvaal struck his name off from the
role of a credited attorney.
Freedom struggle
The ANC agitated against the government. Revolts were brewing
everywhere. Dr. Xuma protested against the White government. About
10,000 people gathered to listen to ANC Chief Luthili.
In 1953, the nationalised dominated Parliament passed the Bantu
Education Act. Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd was the Minister of Education. He
mentioned "Train and teach people in accordance with their opportunities
in life." With this, all future generations of Africa was at stake.
In a nutshell, Professor Mathews stated "Education for ignorance and
for inferiority in Verwoerd's school is worse than no education at all."
The Blacks were deprived of education.
The ANC with Nelson Mandela fought for Equal Rights. He voiced that
land shall be shared among those who work it, and commended the freedom
struggle.
On December 5,1956, Nelson Mandela was arrested for high treason. Not
only Mandela, the government charged 156 for treason. This resulted in
countrywide violence to overthrow the white dictatorship government.
On January 9,1957, the case was taken up at after 13 months. The
magistrate F. C. A. Wessel stated he had found sufficient reason, and
transferred the case of the the 95 remaining defendants to the Transvaal
Supreme Court.
Nelson Mandela was charged in the case of Rivonia. When Mandela was
called to make the statement, he stated that he was one of the persons
who helped to form Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). He stated
that he played a prominent role in its affairs until he was arrested in
August 1962. Nelson Mandela stated in Court, that he and ANC always
stood for Non-Racial Democracy. Umkhonto was started by him in November
1961.
On June 1962, Justice De Wet read "Accused No 1 and No 2, found
guilty on all charges, Kathy was found guilty only one of four, and
Rusty Bernstein not guilty on all charges".
There was mass support for Nelson Mandela and the ANC members. Near
the courthouse. They showed banners - We stand by our leaders.
Nelson Mandela's dark day's began on Robben Island. He was imprisoned
here for 27 years. Robben Island Prison authorities, harassed and
ill-treated him.
In 1998, I toured South Africa. I visited Johnnesburg, Pretoria,
Blomfontaine, Sun City and Pillensburg Park, Kruger National Park, the
Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain,Cape Town and Robben Island, where
Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.
At Robben Island, he was imprisoned with Walter, Raymond, Govan,
Kathy, Andrew and Elias.
In Robben Island, Mandela and colleagues were asked to work in a lime
quarry. As Mandela was a 'D' category prisoner, he was entitled only one
visitor and receive only one letter for six months.
Nelson Mandela firmly believed that Revolutionaries must be drawn
from all classes and not from workers only. When Mandela and rebels were
in Robben Island, there was a surprise visitor to see them. Helen Suzman
member of the Liberal Progressive Party in Parliament came to meet
Mandela, accompanied by Commissioner of Prisons - General Steyn.
In the years after Rivonia Trail, ANC's external mission started
collecting funds to establish a military training programme.
While Nelson Mandela was in Robben Island prison, his oldest son,
Madiba Thembekile, aged 25, father of two small children, died under
tragic circumstance - in a motor accident. He was not allowed to attend
his son’s funeral. Personally, it was a big blow and great tragedy in
Mandela’s life.
In 1978, P. W. Botha, succeeded John Vorster as Prime Minister. Now
things were getting better in the Robben Island prison for Mandela.
Mandela sustained an injury and was taken to Cape Town Hospital. There
was agitation in the world with the ‘Free Mandela Campaign’. In 1981,
even the University of London nominated Nelson Mandela for the post of
Chancellor.
In 1987, Nelson Mandela had many secret discussions with Kobie
Coetsee, a powerful man in White government. These were done with the
blessings of the government. Mandela wanted to prepare a memorandum
giving their stand.
ANC supporters
Peter Willem Botha was the longest serving member of the apatheid
regime. He become the state’s First President in 1980 and was re-elected
in 1987. In 1989, he suffered a stroke and amid increasing National
Party factionalism, resigned and replaced by the more reform minded F.
W. De Klerk. The appointment of De Klerk was a blessing for ANC
supporters.
The first formal secret meeting was held in May 1988. Mandela
mentioned that South Africa belonged to all who live in it - Black and
White. He mentioned that Whites were also Africans. Mandela stated “We
cannot put White men to sea”. This meeting was very successful. On July
4, Mandela visited President Botha. After Botha known as ‘Crocodile’
resigned, the Head of the National Party F. W. De Klerk was elected
President. Mandela’s release from prison made a world of difference to
the African National Congress - A. N. C. When De Klerk become the
President, a brilliant scholar who obtained a doctorate in classic
Gerrit Viljoen - Minister of Constitutional Development prepared a
constitution. In the meantime, political prisoners at Pollsmoor and
Robben Island were released.
On October 10, 1989 - President De Klerk released Walter Sisulu,
Raymond Mhlaba, Ahamed Kathrada, Andrew Miangeni, Elias Motsoaledi, Jeff
Masemola, Wilton Mkways and Oscar Mpetha.
The February 2, 1990 was a Red Letter Day for South Africans. F. W.
de Klerk made an announcement in Parliament that he will join the
Democratic pathway and grant equal opportunities to all and he was
prepared to dismantle the inhuman racial segregation apartheid.
F. W. De Klerk was a Man of Integrity. On December 20, 1991, talks
began with Codesa - Convention for a Democratic South Africa -
Government Party and ANC - African National Congress and other parties.
In a diplomatic manner Nelson Mandela handled the situation brilliantly.
When I studied the history of South Africa in detail I found June 3,
1993 was a landmark in the annals of South Africa. The multi-party forum
declared to have the country’s first national non-racial one person -
one vote election on April 27,1994.
Difficult times
In 1993 - Nelson Mandela and F. W. De Klerk jointly won the Nobel
Prize. It symbolised the unity of the Blacks with Whites.
Before the election campaign, the ANC drafted the Reconstruction
Development Programme to build the entire infrastructure of the country.
The manifesto in a nut-shell can be defined ‘A prosperous - better life
for all’.
In the elections ANC polled 62.6 percent of the national vote. On the
evening of May 2, De Klerk made a fine speech. The White minority was
democratically defeated. Nelson Mandela was victorious. In making South
Africa - ‘One country One Nation’ - De Klerk was the first to be sworn
in as the second deputy president. Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first
deputy president. Then Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of
South Africa. It was the birth of a new South Africa.
Nelson Mandela has six children. They are Madhiba, Makaziwe,
Makgatho, Makaziwe, Zenani, and Zindi. He has 21 grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
Mandela first married Evelyn Mase, who worked at king Edward VII
Hospital in Durban as a nurse. She was a devotee of the Church of
Jehovah’s.
Nelson Mandela’s wife - Winnie was a source of encouragement for
Mandela. She joined ANC’s Women’s League. Her full name was Nomzamo
Winnifred Madikizela. She was the wind beneath his wings during
difficult times. She visited him in prison several times.
Eliminate poverty
Mandela was a compassionate man who loved his children and all South
Africans sans class, colour or creed. A few weeks prior to his 86th
birthday in June 2004, he retired as President of South Africa.
After retirement, this “Good Samaritan” dedicated his life to
Charities - Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. All these organisations promote
education, Health combating HIV/AIDS and are working to eliminate
poverty in South Africa.
I quote from John Carlin’s “Nelson Mandela and the game that made a
Nation – ‘Invictus”, a fascinating book woven round the 1995 Rugby World
Cup.
This great leader, a lover of sports (He took part in Athletics and
boxing) was the motivator behind the success of South Africa’s victory
against New Zealand in 1995 Rugby World Cup , which helped South Africa
to become One Country One Nation.
The poem given below inspired Nelson Mandela. This touching poem
Invictus was written by William Ernest Henley begins with:
Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
For my uncon-querale soul
The last poem out of four, states
It matters not how strait the gate
How charged with punishment the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.
I wish President Nelson Mandela a happy birthday. May this great
leader live long. In my own language. Sinhala, I say Chiran Jayatu Your
Excellency Nelson Mandela.
blurb
Nelson Mandela possessed all the qualities and ingredients that makes
a leader. He is a visionary. Mandela is passionate, creative, flexible,
innovative, courageous, imaginative. Added to these, his personality is
woven with extra version, agreeableness, consciousness, embodying
stability and openness to experience known as ‘Big five’ in management
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