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A fitting present for Nelson Mandela would have been a country at peace with itself in a region where injustice, famine and brutality had been eradicated. Unfortunately South Africa and the southern African region have a host of problems today that seem to tarnish the legacy of Mandela. But the rainbow nation would have been a worse place without Mandela's guidance. It was far from certain in the early 1990s, when negotiations were underway for black majority rule, that civil war would be averted. Mandela's calmness and desire of reconciliation helped provide a sense of destiny to a country trying to overthrow its past.
Mandela, imprisoned for 27 years, but forgiving of his former captors, is an example of the power of mercy and foresight. Did he make mistakes? Certainly. He admitted that his presidency did not deal with the Aids epidemic effectively and that housing targets fell far behind. And he should have been firmer with Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. But his smile, sense of humour and ability to laugh at himself displayed humbleness all too often missing in political leaders. He also led by example especially in agreeing to give up power quickly after only one term following the 1994 end-of-apartheid elections.
He is the living embodiment of political inspiration. His release on February 10, 1990, by President FW de Klerk marked the beginning of a new era for South Africa where it was possible to hope, really hope, for a better future.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mandela's friend and fellow Nobel Peace laureate, said in a newspaper birthday tribute: "We are richly blessed with the one who has made us believe that a rainbow nation is a viable proposition." Mandela gave South Africa a reason to dream after a nightmare. That legacy must never be tarnished.
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