Prisoner 46664
"True reconciliation does not consist in merely forgetting the past".
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite".
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall".
"I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses". NELSON MANDELA.
I wonder what would have happened if in June 11 1964, instead of ending up in the infamous Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. Would he have followed the path of those African leaders who fought hard the colonial occupation of our lands and once in power, oppressed and exploited their own people?
Or Would he have broken the mould by offering a real alternative to his people?
To spend 27 years in one of the toughest prisons, one needs resilience, courage, physical and psychological strength. Mandela proved beyond doubt that he's made of these qualities. But to be a great leader is a different ball game. Prisoner 46664, to a cetain extent, has benefiting from the Halo Effect. Does it mean because Mandela 'gave' 27 years of his life for his people he would have been a great leader? For leadership demands a different type of qualities and skills. According to the British scientific journal Nature Today leadership requires specific qualities such as : Initiative, vision, a good grasp of knowledge. Inner qualities such as: Impartiality, character, strength, ability to recognize one's limitations, faithfulness, kindness, people orientated, outspokenness, wisdom, proactiveness, honesty.
Other sources point out: hard working, communiction skills, openness to new idea, capability to listen to both sides, wise planning & common sense, ability to stand under adversity and praise, knowing the facts before making decisions, not penalising people for good behaviour and rewarding evil people, etc. Today, most leaders are picked on the basis of their good looks, wealth, popularity, and the willingness to do anything to get on top and stay there.
A lot of Africans, me included, have a deep emotional attachement to and absolute respect for Nelson Mandela. For he symbolises things Africans are longing for: Freedom and great leadership. In doing so, we have elevated prisonner 46664 to a saint-like status. Ascribing to him qualities he doesn't necessarily possess.
How would have Mandela fared in 1964 as president of South Africa?
Let's not forget that in half the period of colonial rule African leaders have destroyed the economy and political stability of their countries, violated the so-called human rights with imputity. They have turned against their own people. Those who recongnize their mistakes are unwilling to admit them. They created personality cults and reconfigured their country's map. Naming streets and public facilities such as airports, schools, stadiums and hospitals after themselves. Many have not only acquired monarchical tendencies such as printing their images on currencies while they are still alive but they have also turned themselves into deities that must be worshipped and glorified.
For the sake of my sanity, I wish to believe Nelson Mandela would have been different.
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite".
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall".
"I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses". NELSON MANDELA.
I wonder what would have happened if in June 11 1964, instead of ending up in the infamous Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. Would he have followed the path of those African leaders who fought hard the colonial occupation of our lands and once in power, oppressed and exploited their own people?
Or Would he have broken the mould by offering a real alternative to his people?
To spend 27 years in one of the toughest prisons, one needs resilience, courage, physical and psychological strength. Mandela proved beyond doubt that he's made of these qualities. But to be a great leader is a different ball game. Prisoner 46664, to a cetain extent, has benefiting from the Halo Effect. Does it mean because Mandela 'gave' 27 years of his life for his people he would have been a great leader? For leadership demands a different type of qualities and skills. According to the British scientific journal Nature Today leadership requires specific qualities such as : Initiative, vision, a good grasp of knowledge. Inner qualities such as: Impartiality, character, strength, ability to recognize one's limitations, faithfulness, kindness, people orientated, outspokenness, wisdom, proactiveness, honesty.
Other sources point out: hard working, communiction skills, openness to new idea, capability to listen to both sides, wise planning & common sense, ability to stand under adversity and praise, knowing the facts before making decisions, not penalising people for good behaviour and rewarding evil people, etc. Today, most leaders are picked on the basis of their good looks, wealth, popularity, and the willingness to do anything to get on top and stay there.
A lot of Africans, me included, have a deep emotional attachement to and absolute respect for Nelson Mandela. For he symbolises things Africans are longing for: Freedom and great leadership. In doing so, we have elevated prisonner 46664 to a saint-like status. Ascribing to him qualities he doesn't necessarily possess.
How would have Mandela fared in 1964 as president of South Africa?
Let's not forget that in half the period of colonial rule African leaders have destroyed the economy and political stability of their countries, violated the so-called human rights with imputity. They have turned against their own people. Those who recongnize their mistakes are unwilling to admit them. They created personality cults and reconfigured their country's map. Naming streets and public facilities such as airports, schools, stadiums and hospitals after themselves. Many have not only acquired monarchical tendencies such as printing their images on currencies while they are still alive but they have also turned themselves into deities that must be worshipped and glorified.
For the sake of my sanity, I wish to believe Nelson Mandela would have been different.
posted by DEDI at 10:04
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