Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013

Photo: Greg Bartley Madiba: Hamba Kahle 2 Monday 9 December 2013 The Legend

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.

1918: July 18 - Born Rolihlahla Mandela at Mvezo in the 1969: July 13 - Son Thembekile is killed in a car accident 1982: March 31 - Sent to 1925: Attends primary school near Qunu 1985: Rejects South African President PW Botha's offer (receives the name ‘Nelson’ from a teacher) to release him if he renounces violence 1939: Enrols at the University College of Fort Hare, in 1988: August 12 - Admitted to Tygerberg Hospital and is Alice diagnosed with tuberculosis 1941: Escapes an arranged marriage; becomes a mine December 7 - Moved to Victor Verster Prison in night watchman; starts articles at a law firm Paarl where he was held for 14 months in a cottage 1942: Completes BA degree through the University of 1990: February 2 - ANC is unbanned (UNISA) 1990: February 11 - Released 1943: Graduates with BA from Fort Hare; Enrols for an March 2 - Elected ANC Deputy President LLB at Wits University 1993: December 10 - Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with 1944: Co-founds the ANC Youth League (ANCYL); FW de Klerk marries Evelyn Ntoko Mase – they have four 1994: April 27 - Votes for the first time in his life children: Thembekile (1945); Makaziwe May 10 - Sworn in as President of SA (1947 – who dies after nine months); Makgatho December 14 - Launches his autobiography, 'Long (1950); Makaziwe (1954) Walk to Freedom' 1951: Elected President of the ANCYL 1995: Establishes the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund 1952: Defiance Campaign begins; Arrested and charged 1996: Divorces Winnie Mandela for violating the Suppression of Communism Act; 1998: July 18 - Marries Graça Machel on his 80th Convicted with JS Moroka, birthday and 17 others under the Suppression of 1999: Steps down after one term as President, establishes Communism Act; Sentenced to nine the Nelson Mandela Foundation months imprisonment with hard labour, 2001: Diagnosed with prostate cancer suspended for two years; Elected first of ANC 2004: June 1 - Announces that he will be stepping down deputy presidents; Opens South Africa’s first black from public life law firm with Oliver Tambo 2005: January 6 - Announces that his eldest son Makgatho 1953: Devises the M-Plan for the ANC’s future had died of AIDS underground operations 2008: July 18 - Turns 90 years old, asks future generations 1955: Watches as the Congress of the People at Kliptown to continue the fight for social justice launches the 2010: July 11- Makes a surprise appearance at the Final of 1956: Arrested and joins 155 others on trial for treason. the Fifa World Cup in All are acquitted by 29 March 1961 2010: July - Celebrates his 92nd birthday at home in 1958: Divorces Evelyn Mase; Marries Nomzamo Winnie with family and friends Madikizela – they have two daughters: Zenani 2010: October - His second book, 'Conversations with (1959) and Zindzi (1960) Myself', is published 1960: March 21 - Sharpeville Massacre 2011: January - Is admitted to hospital in Johannesburg March 30 - A State of Emergency is imposed and where he is diagnosed with a chest infection. He he is among thousands detained is discharged after two nights April 8 - The ANC is banned 2011: June - His book 'Nelson Mandela By Himself: The 1961: Goes underground; Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) is Authorised Book of Quotations' is published formed 2011: July 18 - Celebrates his 93rd birthday with his 1962: January 11 - Leaves the country for military family in Qunu, training and to garner support for the ANC 2012: July 18 - Celebrates his 94th birthday with his August 5 - Arrested near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal family in Qunu, Eastern Cape November 7 - Sentenced to five years in prison for December 8 - Is admitted to hospital incitement and leaving the country without December 26 Is discharged from hospital a passport 2013: June 8 - Admitted to hospital 1963: May 27 - Sent to 2013: September 1 - Returns home after spending 87 days 1964: June 11 - Convicted in the of sabotage in hospital. and organising a guerilla military campaign against 2013: December 5 - Nelson Mandela dies peacefully at the South African government, and sentenced (June home. 12) to life imprisonment Monday 9 December 2013 3 Madiba: Hamba Kahle

In death he stands confirmed as the embodiment of humanity’s hope for the future.

A symbol of hope, a life that touched COMRADES . . . Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu in conversation in prison, after they had been sentenced to life imprisonment at the end of the Rivonia Trial. For decades after he was jailed, it was illegal in -era millions South Africa to publish any photographs showing Mandela’s face.

Over a period of more than 60 years both before and after 1994. That is why holding office succumb to the immorali- not complete the LLB degree at Wits. Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were there is a logical link between the choice ty of power, and which shaped Mandela When he was sentenced to five years’ friends and comrades during South Af- he made in the early Forties and the into a reconciler and nation-builder – imprisonment in 1962, he immediately rica’s struggle for freedom and democ- manner in which he responded to the explains why he is held as an icon. registered for the LLB with the Univer- racy. “A part of me is gone,” Mandela offer by PW Botha to release all political In a world of the powerful and the sity of London. He persisted along this stated when Sisulu died in 2003. To- prisoners if we renounced violence. powerless, among decision-makers and path until he successfully completed the wards the end of his own life, Sisulu The response was read on his behalf the marginalised, among children and course. wrote this warm and revealing obituary by his daughter Zinzi at a mass meet- adults, he was at ease and at home. And He brought the same application and for his great friend. ing in Jabulani Stadium, Soweto, on 10 he made each of us feel less disempow- tenacity as he grappled with political February 1985. I looked at the video ered and more ‘captains’ of our lives. and philosophical ideas. He could be S he rests in his eternal sleep, recording after my release from prison Somewhere between 1941 and 1944, unrelenting, even ruthless, in debate. I am certain of one thing: that and felt once again the affirmation of in Joburg, Madiba reached the moment However his stubbornness was mitigated AMadiba’s face is enveloped in a the masses that, in him, the oppressed when his life was committed to the by his capacity to listen to the views gentle, enduring smile. people had a person who was truly their struggle of the oppressed. His choices and arguments of those from whom he No, not the broad, beaming smile we servant, when he said: “I cherish my thereafter were always to be made on differed. Many of us would cling to our are accustomed to. Not the one so full of own freedom dearly, but I care even the basis of what was required and in the views in a debate and listen to our op- warmth that one felt bathed in sunshine. more for your freedom . . . I cannot sell best interests of the struggle. All other ponents only with an eye to overcoming Rather, the quiet smile, reflective, born my birthright, nor am I prepared to sell interests, personal or family, took second their ideas. Winning out in the discus- out of looking over his life and times; the birthright of the people to be free . . . place to the demands of the liberation of sion was all that counted. Madiba was a smile tinged with a hint of mischie- I cannot and will not give any undertak- the people. no different. But I know that he would vousness for having beaten the odds, ing when I and you, the people, are not In 1952, we decided to launch the go away, reflect on what others had to cheated the hangman and knowing he free. Your freedom and mine cannot be Defiance Campaign and we needed to say, read and follow up the ideas. Debate had helped make South Africa and the separated. I will return.” appoint a national volunteer-in-chief who and discussion never ended up for him world a better place. Overarching his life He was born into oppression. There would be the driving force. Mandela had simply as a battle of wits, where win- of struggle, hardship, humiliation, pain was no choice in that. But he never just qualified as an attorney and was due ning is all that counts. Often this process and suffering there must be the sense of allowed this to preclude him from in August to open the first African law would strengthen his views. fulfilment that he has left an indelible making choices about his life. If there is partnership practice with Oliver Tambo. At the same time, I have known him to footprint in the service of humankind. a message he would have liked to leave He did not hesitate to accept the tasks im- change his views radically. His life has His is a life that touched millions not with each of us it is embodied in one of posed on him by the Defiance Campaign. been marked by such changes. Once he only in South Africa, not only in our his favourite poems: He was there when it became neces- embraced an idea he would champion continent of Africa, but throughout the I am master of my fate; sary to go underground and live the life it vigorously. Truth for him was never world. For the greater part of his life he I am the captain of my soul. of an outlaw in 1960 at the conclusion something out there, clinically defined was a beacon of the struggle. (“Invictus” by WE Henley) of the four-year long Treason Trial. He and dispassionately stated. He combined In his later years he became the He was part of a people who were and stood uncompromising in the defence passion with his search for truth and symbol of hope. In death he stands con- remain the victims of oppression, and of our ideals when we faced the pros- understanding, and such understanding firmed as the embodiment of humanity’s he never compromised with the perpe- pect of death in the Rivonia Trial. This implied for him a commitment to act in hope for the future. trators of oppression. But he expected was a commitment that took him from accordance with it. In subtle, often unnoticed ways, life each of us as individuals – victims and freedom fighter, to prisoner, to president. He was at heart a man of action. And is a matrix of chance, change, challenge perpetrators – to take responsibility for With it went a stubbornness that at times when he loved, he loved. This was true and opportunity in which one makes our actions and not remain robots pro- seemed unrelenting. in his public and his private life. His choices. We make choices all the time grammed by fate. Whatever Madiba did, he did it with love was unstinting and unreserved. And – in the best of times and the worst of Whether living the life of an outlaw, persistence, application and zeal. because he was so generous and giving circumstances. Often we are unaware or of an accused in court, or of a prison- In the early Forties he decided he of himself, he touched so many of our of the choices we make; nevertheless er, Mandela conducted himself with the wanted to study law. He set about stud- lives in so many ways – small and big – we make them. In everything Mandela demeanour and dignity of a free man. ying part-time. At the same time he be- that we can go on living with hope. has said – be it in writing or the spoken He never evaded the responsibilities came increasingly absorbed in political Gracias a la vida! word – his focus has always been on that went with his choices, nor did he activity. He rented a room in Alexandra Walter Sisulu (1912 – 2003) was the oppression “the causes, form and flinch from their consequences. It may township and studied by candlelight. He secretary-general of the ANC from 1949 consequences”. be that this thread – which binds victims completed his BA by correspondence to 1954 and deputy president of the ANC Very little emerges about his personal and perpetrators in a world riven with and enrolled for the LLB at Wits. He did from 1991 to 1994. He spent 26 years in hardships. His eyes have always been conflict, which holds those in office not shine as a student but he persisted prison, from 1963 to 1989. cast on the condition of the people – accountable in a world in which those and qualified as an attorney. He did – The Independent Madiba: Hamba Kahle 4 Monday 9 December 2013

STRUGGLE HEROES ... Namibian political activ- ist Andimba Toivo ya Toivo (left) and the late former South African president Nelson Man- dela share a moment.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ya Toivo family Ya Toivo on post –Mandela era

• DENVER KISTING

IS wishes for South Africans in the post-Mandela era are that they do not deviate from the hopes and dreams Hlaid down by this world icon. So said fellow former Robben Island inmate and Namibian struggle activist Andimba Toivo ya Toivo (89) following the death of Madiba as he was affectionately known across the What makes Nelson Mandela globe. Mandela served unique is that he was a servant Ya Toivo said Mandela “was a great man because he accom- leader, inspirational leader, plished what he stood for – to do away with apartheid and start a government of democracy.” with a humble transactional leader and According to him, it “really is a great loss to South Africa as transformational leader. a country and its people and to all of us all over. He was a great man and a great inspiration.” spirit – Geingob Mandela’s remarkable presence in Robben Island is what struck Toivo ya Toivo most. “His being there was a great sup- port to those who believe in human rights and democracy. But now, he is no more and I wish him an eternal rest.” HE late Nelson Mandela leader and transformational leader. He the Springbok rugby team which at Mandela died on Thursday at the age of 95 following a lung managed to reconcile a nation served with a humble spirit, always that time was a sporting symbol of infection, South African president Jacob Zuma announced at Tin which people had become endeavouring to serve first and then white minority rule. He invited racists the end of last week. accustomed to hatred and separation lead. He aspired to create a more to visit with him. He accommodated Speaking to The Namibian on Friday, Toivo ya Toivo said due to the policies of the then-ruling just and caring world. He inspired the national anthem, ‘Die Stem van Mandela was a sharp leader with impeccable negotiation skills. National Party. many around the world because of Suid-Afrika’, in a new hybrid an- Ya Toivo and Mandela were detained in the same section This is how Prime Minister Hage his charm, which has had a profound them,” the Prime Minster said. for 12 years, he said. “We were rubbing shoulders and playing Geingob described the late former effect on people across all generations. He went on to state that although games.” President of South Africa in a tribute He was transactional, because he with- economic transformation did not take Of particular interest, he said, were tennis and volleyball. issued on Saturday. Known by many stood what could have turned out to be place during his rule, by reconciling In spite of prison conditions being tough, Ya Toivo empha- across the world by his clan name a tumultuous period in South Africa,” a divided nation, Mandela laid the sised that their spirits were never broken. “[A] prison is a ‘Madiba’, he died at the age of 95 the tribute stressed. groundwork for future economic trans- prison, but having been together we said although they (the at his home in Johannesburg, South It went on to say Mandela was a formation. oppressors) want us to bow down before them, we won’t.” Africa on Thursday evening. man who quelled the angst of the “Mandela accommodated white Mandela, he said, was the leader of their section. “When we Mandela had waged a long battle white minority who ruled South Africa people, he inspired, fought, reconciled, had problems we could not solve, we sent him (Mandela) as a against lung infection. for centuries through the unlawful danced, and wore a perennial smile, representative to the authorities.” “What makes Nelson Mandela subjugation of blacks, according to which will last in our memories forev- Ya Toivo said he would like to attend the world leader’s fu- unique is that he was a servant leader, Geingob. er. What else can one say?” Geingob neral in Qunu in the Transkei in South Africa on Sunday, 15th inspirational leader, transactional “He wore the number 6 jersey of said. – Nampa December. Pohamba salutes extraordinary and towering giant

RESIDENT Hifikepunye he was incarcerated on Robben Pohamba says the late Island for many years along PNelson Mandela was an with his fellow comrades, and extraordinary person, a towering our own compatriots, including giant who dedicated his life to the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo,” the freedom and justice of the people statement reads. of South Africa who were sub- He said Mandela will be missed jected to apartheid oppression. not only by those who knew him, President Hifikepunye Poham- and the nation that he served so ba in a tribute statement issued on proudly and loved so deeply, but Friday described the late former by millions of people around the South African President as a true world. liberation icon and a statesman “On behalf of the government whose exemplary life and work and people of Namibia, and in- inspired many, not only in South deed on my own behalf, I wish to Africa and in the region, but also convey our deepest condolences globally. and sympathies to the govern- “Because of his commitment to ment, the entire bereaved family the universal principles of free- and the people of South Africa,” dom and justice for all mankind, Pohamba added. – Nampa Monday 9 December 2013 5 Madiba: Hamba Kahle

A colossus of the 20th century who was one of the world’s most beloved statesmen, Nelson Mandela became a favourite subject for photographers after being released from prison in 1990. As he met world leaders, royalty, entertainment stars and ordinary citizens over the years, the real star was always Madiba – the ex-boxer, former prisoner No. 46664 and iconic leader who remained a humble servant of his people. Madiba: Hamba Kahle 6 Monday 9 December 2013 Namibians on Mandela

The Namibian’s Tuyeimo Haidula took to the streets to ask Namibians in Windhoek what Nelson Mandela meant to them and how they reacted to the news of his death.

Reinhard Mahalie He inspired so many individuals globally. The impact will be there forever. Well, may his soul rest in peace. He indeed changed lives.

Claudia Christiaan Madiba was a role model for me. I admired his strong personality. Bencao Pereira I was not very shocked to hear He’s one person who about his death. On the contrary had a heart filled with I am actually glad that his death so much soul such spared him more pain. that he could not be contained by injustice. On Robben Island war- dens respected him. He was a peaceful person who fought racial dis- crimination. He’s one person who used the sport of rugby to unite blacks and whites.

Lelanie van Rooi I felt natural sadness when I woke up to the news of his death. It was not something Steven Afrikaner I was expecting but He was a unifier. He walked the it happened. He has talk. When he said he was going been an inspiration in to do something, he would go terms of forgiveness. out and do it. He was not like any He taught us how to average politician who makes forgive others! empty promises. He is going to be missed by the whole world.

YOUNG COUPLE ... A young Nelson and Winnie Mandela, before his imprisonment forced them apart. They married in 1958 and divorced in 1996, but she has continued to be a presence in his life in recent years.

Suoma Tobias Steffy Brandt I don’t consider his death a His death has affected most, if loss. His legacy would still live not all people around the world. on, even if he had died 30 years Mandela convinced people that ago. Nothing died with him be- it’s not good to live in segregation. Freddy Samuntu cause he was still very active in Madiba lived his life to the fullest and devoted our lives even from his hospital all his efforts to making South Africa what it is bed. So, I don’t think his legacy Joseph K Minnaar today. He is a hero who gave 27 years of his has died just because his heart He is an icon! He is an African, life to the struggle in jail. He was an epitome of stopped beating. Namibian and a world icon. grace, humility, charisma and passion. He was a father figure, a politician to look up to and his legacy will live on forever.

A call to mean all of us. Let us mobilise in one great co-operative national effort the enormous energy of our society in order to overcome and eliminate poverty. We came together as a nation to end the scourge of apartheid. Today end poverty we are challenged to end poverty and all its attendant suffering. Celebrate the nobility of our ideals of Addressing an ANC rally in Pretoria in Celebrate and reaffirm creating a non-racial and non-sexist society. celebration of his 90th birthday, Mandela the principle of collective Let us redouble our efforts to fully realise on 2 August 2008 reaffirmed the ideals leadership and inclusiveness. Let the ideal of a democratic state and society he envisioned the ANC and South Africa no individual, section, faction that secures to all their birthright without striving for, leaving his party comrades and or group ever regard itself as distinction of colour, race, sex or belief. Let compatriots with a compass to guide them greater than the organisation us live that non-racialism and non-sexism in into the future. and the common good of all our every day, deed and word. our people. You are the inheritors of a great organisa- thank the ANC for organising this rally Celebrate the promotion of tion, one that has led for almost a century. It to celebrate our 90th birthday. unity – within the organisation, is now in your hands to uphold the best and I I would be nothing without the ANC. amongst our allies, in the nation the noblest of that history. The struggle had been my life and the ANC at large and amongst all our peo- idate and advance democracy – within the Now – as much as ever in our history – we led that struggle. ple. Our nation comes from a history of deep organisation and in national life. Let us give require disciplined leaders and members I thank the ANC for having given meaning division and strife; let us never through our the lead in demonstrating our respect for the with respect for their organisation, who care to my 90 years on this planet, in this country deeds or words take our people back down institutions of our democracy – both in our equally for all South Africans and for all we all love so dearly. that road. actions and words. people who live within our borders. Let there And I ask you today: do not celebrate an Celebrate our tradition of open debate, Celebrate and reaffirm our fundamental be peace and friendship. individual. Celebrate the achievements and criticism, discussion and respect for democ- commitment to creating a better life for I wish you well. I thank you once more. reaffirm the values of a great organisation, racy. We fought hard and sacrificed much all, particularly the poor and marginalised. Nkosi Sikilel’ iAfrika. one that has led for almost a hundred years. for this democracy. Protect, defend, consol- Poverty and deprivation in our midst de- – Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory Monday 9 December 2013 7 Madiba: Hamba Kahle ‘Let freedom reign’ In his own words It is not the kings and generals that make history but the masses of the people, the workers, the peasants, the We enter into a doctors, the clergy. covenant that we shall build the society in which What counts in life all South Africans, is not the mere fact both black and that we have lived. white, will be able It is what difference to walk tall, without we have made to any fear in their the lives of others hearts, assured of that will determine their inalienable the significance of right to human the life we lead. dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the If you want to world. make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela Our daily deeds as ordinary soil of this land, we feel a sense We succeeded to take our last he becomes your became South Africa’s first dem- South Africans must produce an of personal renewal. The nation- steps to freedom in conditions of ocratically elected president. His actual South African reality that al mood changes as the seasons relative peace. We commit our- partner. inauguration address in Pretoria will reinforce humanity’s belief in change. selves to the construction of a was a call for unity, healing and justice, strengthen its confidence in We are moved by a sense of joy complete, just and lasting peace. reconciliation among South Afri- the nobility of the human soul and and exhilaration when the grass We have triumphed in the effort cans after a painful and divisive sustain all our hopes for a glorious turns green and the flowers bloom. to implant hope in the breasts of As long as poverty, history of oppression and discrim- life for all. That spiritual and physical one- the millions of our people. We injustice and gross ination. All this we owe both to ourselves ness we all share with this common enter into a covenant that we shall inequality persist in ODAY, all us do, by our and to the peoples of the world homeland explains the depth of the build the society in which all South our world, none of presence here, and by who are so well represented here pain we all carried in our hearts as Africans, both black and white, will us can truly rest. Tour celebrations in other today. we saw our country tear itself apart be able to walk tall, without any parts of our country and the world, To my compatriots, I have no in terrible conflict, and as we saw it fear in their hearts, assured of their confer glory and hope to newborn hesitation in saying that each one spurned, outlawed and isolated by inalienable right to human dignity – liberty. of us is as intimately attached to the peoples of the world, precisely a rainbow nation at peace with itself Education is the Out of the experience of an the soil of this beautiful country as because it had become the univer- and the world. extraordinary human disaster that are the famous jacaranda trees of sal base of the pernicious ideology (. . .) most powerful lasted too long, must be born a Pretoria and the mimosa trees of and practice of racism and racial We dedicate this day to all the weapon we can use society of which all humanity will the bushveld. oppression. heroes and heroines in this country to change the world. be proud. Each time one of us touches the We, the people of South Africa, and the rest of the world who sac- feel fulfilled that humanity has rificed in many ways and surren- taken us back into its bosom, that dered their lives so that we could we, who were outlaws not so long be free. Real leaders must ago, have today been given the rare Their dreams have become reali- privilege to be host to the nations ty. Freedom is their reward. be ready to sacrifice of the world on our own soil. We are both humbled and elevat- all for the freedom We thank all our distinguished ed by the honour and privilege that of their people. international guests for having come you, the people of South Africa, to take possession with the people have bestowed on us, as the first of our country what is, after all, president of a united, democratic, a common victory for justice, for non-racial and non-sexist South Af- Everyone can peace, for human dignity. rica, to lead our country out of the rise above their We trust that you will continue to valley of darkness. stand by us as we tackle the chal- We understand it still that there circumstances and lenges of building peace, prosperity, is no easy road to freedom. achieve success if non-sexism, non-racialism and We know it well that none of us they are dedicated democracy. acting alone can achieve success. to and passionate We deeply appreciate the role that We must therefore act together as about what they do. the masses of our people and their a united people, for national recon- political mass democratic, religious, ciliation, for nation building, for the women, youth, business, traditional birth of a new world. and other leaders have played to Let there be justice for all. bring about this conclusion. Not Let there be peace for all. A critical, least amongst them is my Second Let there be work, bread, water independent and Deputy President, the Honourable and salt for all. investigative press FW de Klerk. Let each know that for each the is the lifeblood of (. . .) body, the mind and the soul have any democracy. The time for the healing of the been freed to fulfil themselves. wounds has come. Never, never and never again shall The moment to bridge the chasms it be that this beautiful land will that divide us has come. again experience the oppression of For to be free is The time to build is upon us. one by another and suffer the indig- not merely to cast We have, at last, achieved our nity of being the skunk of the world. REUTERS political emancipation. We pledge The sun shall never set on so off one’s chains, ourselves to liberate all our people glorious a human achievement. but to live in a Former South African Presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk from the continuing bondage of Let freedom reign. God bless way that respects hold their hands high as they address a huge crowd of people in front of the Union Building after the inauguration ceremony in poverty, deprivation, suffering, Africa! – Nelson Mandela Centre and enhances the Pretoria on 10 May 1994. gender and other discrimination. of Memory freedom of others. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Wembley Arena, London, 16 April 1990.

REUTERS