Saturday Wake uP Call-Nelson Mandela's Unfinished Reconciliation

TOPIC: Nelson Mandela's Unfinished Reconciliation

 I am struck in this moment by the simplicity of our view of historic icons and the challenging complexity of a true analysis of their impact beyond the symbolic. In many ways, Winnie Mandela did more to bring an end to Apartheid than Nelson Mandela if truth be told. That is not to negate his profound importance in a delicate moment of transition in South Africa. I doubt than anyone except President Mandela could have kept the Peace and initiated a yet unfinished process of reconciliation. Still, there were so many foot soldiers from ambulance drivers who secreted rebels out of the country when needed to maids and hosts of children and teenagers who sacrificed their education, plus Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, and Steve Biko; from journalists, the US Congressional Black Caucus and university students demanding divestiture to international human rights organizations, President Nyerere of Tanzania, leaders in Nigeria, and the people of Zambia. And there were many more yet unnamed. Nonetheless, we duly honor a great soul and a powerful symbol of universal rights and human dignity. Madiba Mandela shall forever remain the icon of change in South Africa. Such a change, no doubt, can only happen with the collective will and action of a people, not a single person. "Amandla!" (Power) "Awethu" (to us, the people) And we salute him still.