The Miracle of Mandela

In a recent opinion piece, David Brooks of the ‘New York Times’ noted that “(political) candidates get elected by telling people what they want to hear, leading them by using the sugar of their own fantasies.”

How much better would it be, he suggests, to have a leader who focused less on their triumphs than on their failures. “Somehow a leader conversant with his own failings…would be detached from his most fervid followers and merciful and understanding toward foes,” he said. “He’d have a sense of his own smallness in the sweep of events … and grow sadder and wiser with more power.”

A President, he said, who was “emotionally gripped by his own failings” would be nice, adding that “it would be comforting to see a president who’d looked into the abyss, or suffered some sort of ordeal that put him on a first-name basis with his own gravest weaknesses, and who had found ways to combat them.”

Enter Nelson Mandela. For every writer, reporter or commentator who seeks to elevate him, Madiba is at pains to point out that he is the symbol of a movement and not a sainted individual. Despite his uncontested place in both the history of world revolutions and the story of modern Africa, Mandela rejects the label of saint, preferring to present instead the picture of a man who strived to acknowledge and address his weaknesses. The tag of sainthood is not only untrue, Mandela says, but is also unhelpful when it comes to leadership; creating a barrier between people and discouraging those who would wish to follow you.

Focusing on a Higher Goal

When people marvel at his ability to pardon his enemies despite 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela points out that forgiveness is natural if your focus rests on objectives higher than your personal injury.

“While the message of some of today’s leaders can be clouded by expediency or shrouded in eloquence, Madiba’s message of tolerance, reconciliation and focusing on the higher objective needs no second guessing.”

With a goal that sought not only his individual freedom but the total transformation of his society, Mandela had no time to succumb to the luxury of anger and personal bitterness. In striving to bring together all the forces in his divided country and to achieve the high ambitions he had set for his life and the movement to which he belonged, Mandela had to challenge his personal failings in order to demonstrate the moral authority, integrity and compassion needed to forge a new and democratic South Africa.

In Mandela’s opinion, the tag of sainthood was better placed on the shoulders of Walter Sisulu, the man he regarded as his political mentor. “He led from behind and put others in front, but he reversed the position in situations of danger. Then he chose to be in the front line."

90 Years and Counting

27 years of imprisonment would place anyone on a first-name basis with their gravest weaknesses. But not everyone would respond to this enforced opportunity for reflection and soul-searching as Nelson Mandela did.

Today’s multi-media channels bring us an endless feed of sound bites from political candidates and national figures near and far. But, while the sugar-laden message of some of today’s leaders can be clouded by expediency or shrouded in eloquence, Madiba’s message of tolerance, reconciliation and focusing on the higher objective needs no second guessing.

He may be no saint, but he’s definitely a modern miracle. Happy birthday, Madiba, and may you see many more!

In this Issue

In this issue of ReConnect Africa, we take an in-depth look at the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) and the exciting opportunities it offers for African professionals in the Diaspora to assist in transforming the continent.

In a tribute to his 90th birthday, we share John Battersby’s remarkable interview with Nelson Mandela, in which he reflects on his life and legacy. Following his selection for the 2007 Odgers Prize, we speak to MBA graduate Charles Ifedi about his career success and plans for the future.

Set against the backdrop of the global credit crunch, the benefits of investing in Africa are becoming increasingly visible and we showcase a new documentary ‘Africa Investment Horizons’ by award-winning Carol Pineau which premiered at the New York Stock Exchange earlier this year.

If networking strikes you as a minefield that is best avoided, Jane Adshead-Grant offers some insights on how to make it work for you and offers some tips on making the most of your contacts. Our Career Coach sheds some light on how to make yourself relevant in the workplace while in this month’s ‘5 Minute Interview’, Yvette Ankrah shares her story and talks about her work with Africa Beyond.

We stay with South Africa in our selection this month from the ReConnect Africa Archives.Securing Unity and Investment in South Africa reports on how the country is gearing up its efforts to deal with crime and to create a safe environment for citizens and investors alike.

July sees a wide range of events taking place in the UK and overseas and our Events listing give you details of what’s on this month.

As ever, we report on news from the UK and around the world and bring you an overview of news from across the African continent.

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