A cartoon by award-winning artist Nanda Soobben.
THERE is nothing that unites us more as South Africans than the memory and legacy of Nelson Mandela – our liberation icon and founding president of democratic South Africa. Even his most ardent political detractors then will today retreat with respect. Indeed, some even try to embrace this legacy. There can be no higher tribute than attempted emulation.
Some 20 years ago, I was in the office of a very senior Afrikaner journalist. Behind him was a large poster with Mandela’s image and the caption – "Still broers. Daar gaan ‘n man verby". But it was not always like that!
It is worrying that young people do not know enough about this powerful legacy. (Long Walk to Freedom should be a set work in high school).
POST readers will find special resonance in the bonds between Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada, Mac Maharaj and Billy Nair. There are a multitude of anecdotes for each relationship. They did not always agree.
