Well-known Port Shepstone social activist, Selvan Chetty, first met the late president and international icon, Nelson Mandela in Durban around June 1991 at a meeting called by the ANC and churches to discuss the impact of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal. The meeting was initiated by Mandela to look at processes that would build peace in the strife-torn province.

Mr Chetty said that it was clear from this first contact with Mandela that he was a born leader who commanded respect. “When he spoke, he did so with wisdom and authority. As campaigns coordinator for the ANC in the region at the time, I mobilised people to attend the very first rally held in Durban. Mr Mandela pleaded with all parties to work for peace. More importantly, he urged people to ‘throw your weapons into the sea’. This quote was used throughout peace campaigns in KwaZulu-Natal,” explained Mr Chetty.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: 67 facts about Nelson Mandela
“Around this time I was a young peace activist working for Practical Ministries. Part of my duties were to document the political violence and assist victims through the social and humanitarian projects. It was during one of this type of engagements and report-back meetings that, in 1992, I met our national icon at a very personal level.”

Mandela firstly took time to enquire about Mr Chetty, his family and those who worked with him at Practical Ministries. “He shook my hand, thanking me for working for peace. He was indeed saddened by the reports of violence in our region, especially the number of deaths we recorded. His advice to me and others was for violence and senseless killings to stop!”

Mr Chetty added that meeting Mandela was exciting for him. “It gave us a reason to believe that we had hope. He gave us the security that peace would reign, violence and killing would stop at any cost. He inspired confidence that things would get better. He gave wise counsel and leadership at a time when many of us young people were angry, bitter and seeking revenge for atrocities against our people.

“I would thank him for laying the foundation for a democratic society. However, I miss his advice on matters that impact negatively on society today, in particular, issues of crime, corruption and violence. In addition, I will look to him to see where we went wrong in the national project of nation building. Racism and race relations remain a cause for serious concern. Mandela loved all people – black and white – and his dream of many cultures as one nation remains an achievable goal.

“Madiba certainly left a legacy, a legacy of democratic values and principles as enshrined in our constitution. We, as the South African society, must work as a collective to defend the constitution, so that we leave the legacy of Mandela intact for our future generations to enjoy.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033