Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
18 July 2023 | 12:05 CAT
2 min read

Photo: iStock

On the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, people around the world are pausing to remember the late struggle icon, Nelson Mandela, who passed away ten years ago. The United Nations General Assembly declared this day in recognition of Mandela’s dedication to the service of humanity and his contributions to the global struggle for democracy and peace.

In light of this significant day, Radio Islam International hosted a conversation with political analyst Kim Heller to assess whether Nelson Mandela’s legacy remains as admired today, a decade after his demise, as it was during his lifetime. Heller expressed her views on the topic, highlighting several aspects that have impacted the perception of Mandela’s legacy among South Africans.

During the interview, Heller expressed a realisation that Nelson Mandela’s legacy seems to have lost some of its resonance over the years. “I’m afraid that he’s a shadow of what he represented,” she stated. “The South African people have not honoured him and his values, and society has moved away from what he tried to build as a new South African society.”

The political analyst also addressed the sentiment expressed by some politicians and political formations, claiming that Mandela was a sellout during the CODESA (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) talks. Heller rejected this depiction, stating, “I think that that is quite an unfortunate depiction of a man who sacrificed a lot for the country.” She argued that he navigated the delicate balance of forces at the time, and while some of his dreams were unrealised, Mandela did more good than harm for the country.

The evaluation of Mandela’s legacy in present-day South Africa has been influenced by various factors, including the prevailing issues of corruption, collapsing infrastructure, widening inequality gaps, and concerns about the ruling party’s moral compass. Heller pointed out that the current state of the country does not fully align with Mandela’s vision for a socially just and equitable society, leading to a diminished resonance of his legacy among South Africans.

As time passes, it appears inevitable that Mandela’s legacy may lose some of its intensity, especially among the younger generations who did not experience his rule, struggle, or imprisonment firsthand. Hallam pointed out that the way Mandela is remembered today might be inappropriate, with a whitewashing of his history, overlooking his earlier strong stance against white oppression and supremacy.

International Mandela Day has become a symbolic occasion to honour his memory, with people worldwide dedicating 67 minutes to do good deeds. However, Heller suggests that this symbolic gesture may not fully reflect the calibre of the man Mandela was, nor does it capture the essence of his earlier philosophies and militant stance.

As the world continues to honor Mandela’s contributions, it is essential to recognize both his successes and the ongoing challenges South Africa faces in fulfilling his vision of a just and equitable society.

As Nelson Mandela International Day encourages people to engage in acts of goodwill and community service, it also provides an opportunity for reflection on the enduring impact of Mandela’s legacy and the continued relevance of his values in shaping a better South Africa for all.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.