July 1, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

A long walk in Nelson MandelaÕs shadow
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, July 1, Graphic News:  He may be a frail figure approaching his 90th birthday, but Nelson Mandela is still a moral giant towering over the world stage. The former president of South Africa stepped out of the limelight almost a decade ago, but his influence remains undiminished.

This was apparent when, returning to the public gaze recently to enjoy a star-studded celebration concert in London ahead of his birthday on July 18, Mandela referred briefly to the Òtragic failure of leadershipÓ in strife-ridden Zimbabwe, demonstrating that -- in the case of this elder statesman -- it is precisely the most sparing intervention that resonates.

It has been a Òlong walkÓ for Nelson Mandela, who was born into the Madiba tribal clan in a small village in eastern South Africa and led the ANC struggle against the apartheid regime before becoming his countryÕs first democratically elected leader in 1994. He spent 27 years in jail for actions to sabotage the economy in protest at the government.

From jail, the activist once known as the ÒBlack PimpernelÓ went on inspiring supporters worldwide with statements of his commitment to freedom, and his personal fortitude. One note read ÒAny man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will loseÓ. He later showed this by seeking reconciliation with the white establishment that had put him there. 

On his release from prison, Mandela began talks with then President FW de Klerk about forming a multi-racial democracy in South Africa. At the end of 1993, the two men, former enemies, were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. A few months later the ANC swept to power in historic elections, and Mandela became president.

Since handing over to his successor Thabo Mbeki at the end of his first term in 1999, Mandela has travelled the world collecting awards and promoting causes connected to his charitable Nelson Mandela Foundation. At the age of 80, he married third wife Graca Machel, and claimed that from then on he would lead a simple life in his native Transkei.

Despite his pledges to devote himself to Òquiet reflectionÓ, however, and perhaps belying his twinkling smile and easy going manner -- Mandela has clearly lost none of the anger that fired him throughout his long political career. He lambasted the U.S. and Britain for the Iraq war, reserving most opprobrium for Dick Cheney whom he called a ÒdinosaurÓ.

At his birthday cconcert he also reminded the world of the need to combat poverty and disease, particularly Aids, to which he lost his son in 2005. But his name alone may be reminder enough of the importance of personal integrity.
/ENDS