I think what a lot on here are forgetting is had it not been for F W DeKlerk setting him free & giving the vote to all & in the process committing political suicide then none of this would have happened. I never met Nelson Mandella but I would have liked to have done, very inspiring the way he had no hate. Unlike his wife who kept black slaves in her own home & beat them with sticks.
Comm, I don't want to forget his past, it is part of the legacy and a part of history to be proud of, I prefer to remember the atrocities of apartheid, so we never allow them to happen again, and the valiant struggle of the ANC to depose a vile regime. Mandela has been described as a terrorist, he was a lawyer, who was jailed twice, once for five years for inciting workers to strike and for leaving the country illegally and then for life, for conspiracy to overthrow the government and sabotage. Convictions that would have be deemed unsafe in any civilised country. He may well have been actively involved in acts of violence, but given the oppression of apartheid, if I had been in the same situation, I have no doubt whatsoever that I would have been involved in some way in the anti-apartheid movement along with the thousands of white South Africans that actually were.
He played a massive part in the peace process mate, but I suspect that it was global political pressures that made him take the direction he did.
I agree Billy, we should remember the role that DeKlerk played but also the role of Botha, who began the process for the release of Mandela, because without both of them, the Mandela story would have turned out completely different. We should also remember that DeKlerk and Mandela jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their respective roles.
Aye, probably right. Can you remember all those years ago Reg, with the cricket & Kerry Packer's circus, wasn't that something to do with Seth Effrikka? And didn't Mike Gatting get embroiled in a row over there? Cheers for Wednesday neet btw, my ex has still got the lip on for keeping the bairn off school. Miserable bitch, lol.
I work in Africa (Nigeria) and I was shocked to see his passing went remarkably unnoticed, but on a personal level, the man made great inroads to peace in Africa, so I will show my respects. RIP Nelson.
Billy, the Mike Gatting rebel tour in 1990 was nothing to do with Kerry Packer (his circus was in Australia). It was Dr Ali Bacher and the National Party (Apartheid) in response to being told that they would never be accepted into world cricket because of the atrocities.
i was rather flippant last night when the news broke, and i apologise if i offended anybody, i will observe the minutes applause tomorrow for how the man handled his release. I dont like what went before and i certainly dont like cameron the hypocrites words as he was part of the group that wanted to hang him. I appreciate the calm he brought to SA but i also recognise what went on before. applause he will get, worship he wont. My thoughts
Could be because Mandela criticised African leaders who practised their own form of apartheid. He was ignored by them more than once at the Commonwealth conferences.
Sorry, DeClerk had no other option but to release Madibe, the years of trade restrictions, ostracism, being in a sporting wilderness and a global vox pop demanding his release resulted in his release, not some magnanimous gesture by F W Declerk any one who doubts how great a man he was really needs to look at the worlds reaction and then think again. Start here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-echochambers-25247907
Excellent post, it was Botha who set the wheels in motion and DeKlerk who carried the baton. I do think DeKlerk and Botha were forced into their actions by economic and trade pressures, but DeKlerk's contribution after Mandela's release should be recognised. It is interesting that the relationship between Mandela and DeKlerk was strained and unfriendly even when they received the Nobel Peace Prize, so there is something in what you say. Just read the article in the link, great read thanks for posting it.
Good summary Monty. You pretty much got in a nutshell. It ain't too good over there these days but it would have been hell on earth if Di Klerk hadn't recognised the enormity of the decision he ultimately took and did so with great bravery.
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. William Ernest Henley MANDELA'S FAVOURITE POEM.
