Author
By Vuyiswa Sidzumo
We knew this day would come. We were ready but yet we were not ready. I’ve always wondered what the country would be like when the day finally came, and it’s been interesting that people have been going about their normal lives only a day after his passing. I’d imagined that everything would stop, traffic would come to a standstill, and we would all gather in various spaces to mourn his death.
While the media coverage has been extensive, life seems to go on for many. I’m not sure if people are mourning privately, but I haven’t even heard from my friends this morning. I suspect his prolonged illness somehow prepared us for the eventuality and people began to accept his mortality. However, nothing could prepare some of us for the emotions we would experience when the day finally came.
So, sitting in bed just after midnight watching the news and listening to the tributes, the heaviness in my heart was something I wasn’t prepared for. I can only imagine how those close to him are feeling right now. The mixture of emotions that have been flowing through me have ranged from gratitude for the gift that he was, not only to our country but to the continent and the world; sadness that he is no longer with us; and relief that he has been relieved from pain and suffering.
Even the sun took its time to come out in Johannesburg this morning. It was as if the welcoming committee in heaven wanted to set the right mood down below. Someone jokingly said, ”There must be a big celebration concert in heaven right now, with Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa giving a helluva performance, while Mirriam Makeba stands by as part of the welcoming committee.”I’m sure in heaven Tata will soon open a branch of the African National Congress (ANC), his beloved party till his death. Tata’s loyalty to his party, warts and all, is a lesson to me about commitment, resilience, and passion.
South Africans have short memories, and we’re quick to judge and throw out the baby with the bathwater. Tata’s lesson for me was that life is not always rosy, and that we don’t stop trying to do the right thing because others around us are not doing same. For many of us he symbolized many things – humility, sacrifice, love of humanity, patience, and principle.
People have been gathering in different parts of the country to celebrate the life of our hero, in the best way we know how: through song and dance. Many of us loved him like a family member, and respected him as a wise elder. If only we had an heir apparent. If only we had learnt from this great man about leadership, values, and sacrifice.
We’re poised to be one of the greatest nations on earth, yet we’re far from realizing this. We no longer boast the selflessness of leaders, which Mandela and many of his comrades represented, but worry everyday about corruption and greed. Many of our countrymen and -women go to bed hungry, have no decent shelter, and can’t send their children to school as a direct result of corruption. Where did we go wrong, my fellow South Africans? How could we squander the opportunity to learn from and emulate one of the greatest men who ever lived? Of course he was not perfect, as none of us are, but he was gracious—even about his shortcomings.
Mandela leaves behind a country divided. We are at a turning point in our political history. The Marikana Massacre and the farm worker rebellions of 2012 were an indication that the tide has turned. The fights within the labor union movement, the emergence of new political parties, and the rise in social activism are just a few examples that it is not business as usual. I just hope we will turn this energy into something positive for our beloved country.
For me, the rise in the number of new political parties and organized social movements that represent people’s aspirations is testimony to the health of our democracy. With Mandela gone, many who were more loyal to him than to the party may begin to seek refuge in these new spaces. Time will tell.
A few days ago, I participated in a session aimed at envisioning a future for South Africa. I was amazed by how differently people view the country. Many of the people at my table - mainly white and middle class - were very negative and seemed quite disconnected to what is really happening. As we were sharing views about various issues, I could see genuine surprise at what I thought were the most obvious and topical issues in the country right now. I sensed fear, hopelessness, and apathy. My optimism about the country did not quite lift the mood, and I was sad for them. To go through life with such pessimism must be exhausting, and goes against the notion of a rainbow nation Mandela so believed in. At some point, the facilitator asked us to envision the country in 2030 as we would like to see it. I started with all the ideals that only a naïve optimist like me can come up with: more equality, a truly nonracial society, better education and good health systems for all.But many around the table were more interested in whining about what’s wrong. In spite of his efforts, this is what Mandela leaves behind.
I choose to carry the torch Tata leaves behind. I choose to be positive about this country, in spite of its many challenges. I pledge to do everything in my power to contribute to making this country a better place for all of us. This is my gift to you, Tata.
We know you will be the chief angel looking out for us. Don’t forget your beloved country. Don’t let us squander your legacy. Guide us as we begin to imagine a world without you, difficult as that is. You made us proud to be South African, and we loved you even though we didn’t know you personally.
The Author is Director – South Africa, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation . The views expressed here represent her personal opinions not necessarily those of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
(C) Politico 12/12/13
