Those who knew and worked with former president Nelson Mandela believe his legacy remains a powerful guide for South Africa, even as corruption, poor service delivery and social tensions betray the values he stood for. 

As South Africa and the rest of the world commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day today (July 18), people are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to helping those in need. 

This year’s theme, ‘It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’, is accompanied by the call to action, ‘It is in your hands’, urging individuals to make a difference in their communities. 

According to the Presidency, the theme reflects Madiba’s belief that every person has the power to make a meaningful contribution towards addressing poverty, inequality and social injustice through acts of service and compassion. 

Legacy 

Mandela’s former colleagues say the greatest tribute to his legacy is to live by the values he championed every day. 

Verne Harris, Mandela’s personal archivist, says that in 1994 Madiba warned the country that the long walk to freedom never ends and that, with democracy, South Africa was embarking on a long and challenging path full of pitfalls. 

Keep working for the country 

Harris worked with Mandela from 2004 to 2009 as they assembled his personal archive and established the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. 

“At the heart of his legacy is the call to keep working for the country and the world of his dreams, no matter how hard the path gets. We persevere. We don’t give up. I believe this spirit is still alive in our country.” 

However, he believes that many of Madiba’s values and commitments have been betrayed. 

“We must all take responsibility for this, but it is our political and economic elites who carry the greatest burden in this regard.” 

Harris adds that, despite the challenges facing the country, it is still in South Africans’ hands to build the just society Mandela dreamed of. 

“Madiba’s legacy is both complex and constantly being reinterpreted. It remains a yardstick and a living resource in our society,” he says. 

Betraying Madiba’s legacy 

Razia Saleh worked with Mandela at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

She says his greatest legacy was to see a broader vision for South Africa that allowed former enemies to jointly commit to a democratic country, which we experience daily even when things are bad. 

She says that, while South Africa has tensions and divisions, there are also moments of unity, such as when the country rallies behind Bafana Bafana.

However, she believes corruption, poor service delivery, unemployment and anti-immigration marches betray Madiba’s legacy.  

Beyond Mandela Day 

Saleh says that Mandela was always hopeful, even during his most difficult times. While she cannot speak for him today, she believes he would urge South Africans to continue working towards a better life for people not only in our country but all over the world. 

She adds that she hopes the work the foundation does promotes his values and legacies in impactful ways, and it’s not limited only to Mandela Day and Mandela Month.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.