The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘An extraordinary global figure’
DR MATT Graham is a lecturer in history and politics at Dundee University who specialises in the history of modern, sub-Saharan Africa. His research focuses on South Africa a nd ex a m i n es th e evolution of the African National Congress’s foreign policy towards Southern Africa between 1960 and 2007.
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”
These words, spoken by Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial in 1964, encapsulate what he dedicated his entire life struggling for: justice, democracy and freedom.
Narrowly avoiding the death penalty, Mandela would spend 27 years in prison for his desire to see South A frica freed from the repressive and brutal racial segregation known as apartheid. Importantly, his convictions never wavered, despite the best attempts of the apartheid regime.
A lthough few people would see him during his imprisonment and his picture and writings were banned by the Government, Mandela’s influence spread far beyond South A frica, becoming the symbol of the global anti-apartheid campaign.
His long- negotiated release on February 11 1990 was met with almost universal acclaim and marked the beginning of the road towards a democratic South A frica.
Nelson Mandela was a remarkable leader; canonised in his own lifetime, celebrated and revered around the world. His death is a loss not only to South A frica but the international community more widely, with his appeal transcending national boundaries.
But what made Nelson Mandela such an extraordinary global figure?
In a world torn apart by strife, Mandela symbolised humanity, compassion and humility, and importantly was able to confront evil and prevail Perhaps most importantly he was a living embodiment of reconciliation and non-racialism.
On leaving prison, he offered an olive branch of forgiveness to the white minority, in an attempt to heal the wounds of a deeply divided society. In the process of freeing the majority of South A fricans he was also able to liberate the oppressors too.
Few political leaders have ever achieved such a feat.
Mandela courageously acted upon his convictions and his moral authority ensured that he became an inspiration for many. Listening to the tributes that poured in on Thursday night, it was amazing how many world leaders genuinely mourned his passing.
Mandela will be remembered as a forceful and courageous leader, who