July 10, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved Still crusading: Profile of South AfricaÕs revered former president Nelson Mandela By Joanna Griffin LONDON, July 10, Graphic News: These days Nelson MandelaÕs greatest pleasure is to watch the sun set over the horizon while listening to classical music. Nevertheless, this should not be taken to mean that South AfricaÕs former president has settled into a gentle old age whose pursuits reflect the waning of his influence. As Mandela prepares to celebrate his 85th birthday on July 18th, the lifelong activist for racial equality is Ð if not exactly raging against the dying of the light Ð still raging against injustice, poverty, and AfricaÕs Aids crisis. In recent months he has spoken out angrily on the Middle East conflict and the foreign policy of BushÕs White House. For many people, Mandela is the closest we have to a living saint. With Gandhi and Martin Luther King, he ranks as one of a handful of inspirational leaders who has fought for justice without recrimination. In his long battle against apartheid, he is often referred to as having personified the struggles of the 20th century, but now we are in the 21st the ideals of tolerance and equality he exemplifies are more relevant than ever. Such unparalleled, global respect did not come without personal sacrifice. Born in a poor village in the Transkei in 1918, Mandela worked his way up through the ranks of the African National Congress, and helped turn the anti-apartheid movement into a national organisation. A trained lawyer, he eventually decided that its goals necessitated the use of violence and helped to form the Umkhonto we Sitwe guerrilla group. He then spent years dodging arrest, earning the nickname Òthe Black PimpernelÓ, but was eventually sent to jail for life in 1964. In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela provides moving detail about his 27 years in jail on Robben Island. What is remarkable is his lack of bitterness towards his captors Ð he invited former prison guards to his inauguration as president Ð and his refusal to do deals that would entail trading his principles for freedom. His one regret appears to be the impact of this period on his six children and his second wife, Winnie, whom he married in 1958. After his release in 1990, Mandela received the Nobel Prize in 1993 and the following year was overwhelmingly elected president of a multi-racial democracy that replaced South AfricaÕs apartheid regime. Now married to childrenÕs rights activist Graca Machel, widow of the former president of Mozambique, Mandela stepped down in favour of Thambo Mbeki in 1999 and has spent recent years acting as peace broker in several African conflicts, campaigning on causes dear to his heart, and travelling far and wide to meet the powerless as well as the powerful. Like many inspirational people, he seems to have a knack for connecting with children, and a mischievous sense of humour. Apparently, he likes to charm the ladies, and he still enjoys a dance. Criticisms include accusations that he was far too slow to take action on the chronic Aids crisis blighting his country, and that his rainbow government failed to deliver its promises. Others say he has lost touch, and should go quietly into the shadows. No chance. By most Mandela is still viewed as a moral authority whose opinions count. BushÕs decision to leave him out of a tour of Africa says more about the Texan, who was angered by MandelaÕs outbursts over U.S. policy towards Iraq and the Middle East. At his trial all those years ago, Mandela said that, for his principles, ÒI am prepared to dieÓ. That is how he has lived his entire life, and that is why he remains an inspiration. He no longer faces the threat of execution or imprisonment, but he remains ready to face all possible consequences of his actions. And that is freedom indeed. /ENDS