Lessons from Madiba.
As we learn to live and soldier on in a post and minus Madiba world, we need to begin to reflect on the life of this gallant and singular son of the African soil, and draw lessons for our own good as well as the continuing struggle for a better South Africa. From a life of one man the whole planet, earth has learnt what universities, institutes, colleges and schools put together cannot give. We should all celebrate the icon’s life by ensuring that in our own small ways, we shall work hard to contribute to a growing, stable, caring and racially tolerant South Africa.
The first lesson is that we need to be radical and take action if we want to see change. Nelson Mandela and company realised in the 1940s that the peaceful protests and nonviolent methodology of struggle, wasn’t going to take the black man anywhere. They decided to create Umkhonto We Sizwe military wing. If there is nothing you can die for then there is nothing to live for. There must be a master reason, a grand purpose. Believe, work and move within the boundaries of a collective because there is wisdom therein. No one man carries all the answers, no one man knows everything. A good leader is one who listens to new and different views of others and is able to pick up ideas from others and can freely use them for the uplift of his organisation. Never lose sight of your dream.
Never settle for anything less than the best. Half a loaf is not better, it is worse. It is so encouraging to learn that in 1985 Madiba was offered an opportunity of freedom provided he denounced the armed struggle, thank God he refused. Proper preparations prevent poor performance (the 5Ps), Nelson Mandela strongly encouraged all fellow inmates to enroll and study while in prison, this was because he believed that they wouldn’t die in prison but they shall be released to govern a new South Africa, he understood that information brings transformation which destroys deformation and kick-starts reformation. He knew that readers are leaders and leaders must be readers.
