Listening to a number of people say, “We need you Mandela!” I cannot help but wonder, “Why do we need Madiba?”
South Africans need to start taking ownership of the future, while honouring their past. Saying, “We don’t need Mandela,” is not disrespecting his legacy, but rather recognising we now need to be the extension of his legacy by living out his values, as we continue to establish a country which promotes an inclusive society, where everyone is given equal opportunity to express themselves.
We can only extend his legacy by daring to fight for each other’s rights, or if you like, protecting our constitution. As South Africans, we have a responsibility to each other, a responsibility to embrace our versatility, while we celebrate our uniqueness.
South Africans need to realise that Mandela has lived his life, his contribution towards establishing a democratic country cannot be questioned. Basically, Madiba played his role; it is now our time to make sure we grow in the values he has set out for us.
While the past month had us all worried about his health, we need to realise, the key to South Africa’s future lies with us. We should not be too concerned about what will happen should he die or be worried about the wisdom we need from him; besides, there are a number of books on his life, we have available.
As for my fellow South Africans, the colour of your skin does not make you less or more deserving of the legacy he has left behind. Black, White, Indian or Coloured; a member of the African National Congress (ANC) or not; we all deserve to share in the legacy he has left behind, because above being a black man, or a President of the ANC, Nelson Mandela is a South African!
In conclusion, I end with Mandela’s words, “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for eternity.”
