I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. – Nelson Mandela at his trial in 1964
THE WORLD IS today the poorer following the death yesterday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, known in his native South Africa as Madiba. While we grieve at his passing, we are thankful for his life and the enduring qualities he left us.
Mandela encountered the worst in humanity through an ignoble apartheid system but in return displayed courage and dignity much to the surprise of friend and foe.
Locked away for 27 years for no just reason, Mandela’s walk to freedom in February 1990 was an occasion in which the world rejoiced. He in turn showed his rare qualities. By then an iconic figure, this tower of a personality rather than engender anger and hatred, embraced the white apartheid rulers and their supporters, showing that reconciliation was the best way forward for a new South Africa.
This ideal of doing something for others was exemplified when he and the last leader under apartheid, F. W. de Klerk, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela, even though not yet leader of his country, said: “The award was a tribute to all South Africans, and especially to those who fought in the struggle. I would accept it on their behalf.”
He went further. Unlike many of his colleagues across the continent, rather than hold to power, after five years of being president Mandela walked away, having achieved much during that short period. He proved to the Afrikaners and his detractors that his words and actions were pure of heart and for the betterment of all mankind. His efforts to bring awareness to the AIDS pandemic even after he left office was significant in fighting this disease that had so negatively impacted his homeland.
We were fortunate in Barbados to have had a small but vocal group of people who sought to speak out against apartheid and call for Mandela’s freedom. Some, including Martin Cadogan, Ricky Parris, Glenroy Straughan and Norman Faria, are no longer with us, but theirs and the efforts of George and Francis Belle, Anthony Gabby Carter and Michael Cummins must never be forgotten.
In much the same way we have ignored civil rights leader Martin Luther King, we as a country have not found it fit to honour Mandela, but have left it to the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies.
But Mandela, a true legend in his own time, will be remembered and honoured by all Barbadians in their own way. He was a most remarkable man who fought for and promoted human dignity. May he have eternal rest.
