Once upon a time, he was branded a terrorist on the very land of his birth. A 27- year jail sentence was slapped upon his chest for his activism. Perhaps, his modus operandi was not the best but he meant goodwill, equality and freedom for the rightful owners of the ‘booty’. If we are to define terrorism under today’s premises, then I am afraid to say that opponents to his efforts decades back were just pots calling the kettles black because the institution of racial segregation itself was a terror tactic!
Just last year, a nine-foot statue was unveiled at Parliament Square, London to honour the man whose forgiving heart has endeared him to many. A couple of weeks ago, the US deleted names of Nelson Mandela and other top members of the African National Congress (ANC) from the terror watch list. As my eyes raced through the announcement in a famous blueprint, I came across a misguided comment beneath the article implying that Madiba might still have the logistics to bomb I don’t know who. Obviously infuriated (maybe just a little bit) by such a statement, I thought this gesture was long overdue. Maybe, it was just hypocritical, who knows?
Well, a timeless proverb entreats us to let bygones be bygones. It is thus not prudent to deliberate on the injustices of the apartheid regime of yesteryears. We should allow the sleeping dogs (Adventures of Prisoner 46664 on Robben Island) to lie. It is also inappropriate to make any reference to the current terrorism struggle between the Western lads and their Middle Eastern fellows during these festive moments.
Now a globally celebrated icon, Madiba’s persona has sublimed beyond the horizons of race. His release alone in 1992 was a watershed in the erstwhile culture of strife. . As Mandela’s 90th birthday bash drew nigh, there were many pre-celebrations in and out of South Africa. In my view, the 46664 Concert on 27th June at Hyde Park, London was particularly amazing. It was an electric atmosphere. Indeed I was awe- stricken by the mammoth crowd as I watched the event from the comfort of my home 3000 miles away in Accra, Ghana, West Africa.
The man with the big heart is a charismatic leader through and through. I believe this charisma was what orchestrated the receding of those orgies of massacre into the depths of history. Right from rooftops to doorsteps, that modicum of charisma is doing some unexplainable magic with reconciliation, HIV/AIDS campaign, charity and peace in South Africa and the world at large. To me, it epitomises that coat of many colours belonging to the biblical Joseph.
Oops! This captivating personality is making me digress from describing the concert. Legends like Will Smith and good old Papa Wemba entertained the multitudes. Former child soldier, Emmanuel Jal also did some good raps. The performances of the Soweto Gospel Choir and the AIDS Orphan choir, Children of Agape were as touching as always. The whole point is that works of Mr. Mandela has given flight to many dreams and the motivation to go after them.
As he celebrated his 90th birthday earlier today, a gleeful Madiba asked the rich to help bridge the gap by pulling the poor out of the swamps of poverty. I can only say that he has thoroughly acted to the words of William Shakespeare, “A peace is of the nature of a conquest; for then both parties nobly are subdued, and neither party loser.” That is to say he has managed to promote reconciliation in and out of presidential office albeit the playing field being very unlevel.
Happy 90th Birthday Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela! May God bless your good deeds abundantly!
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