Nelson Mandela’s death has little political, but huge symbolic, significance. He was privileged to lead South Africa from apartheid and “racialized” authoritarianism to democracy after spending 27 years in prison as leader of a banned and demonized political movement.
After five years as President of free South Africa, during which time a democratic and progressive Constitution was written and became the highest authority in the land, he stepped down, thus demonstrating his confidence that democracies did not rely only on their great founders.

His presence, as a symbol of reconciliation and belief in the extraordinariness of the ordinary person, sustained South African citizens who held him as a talisman and guarantor of the settlement that saved them from catastrophe. As a symbol of the fight to overcome racism and prejudice, he was revered throughout the world. By holding out his hand to oppressors, he freed them as well.

It has become somewhat fashionable now to suggest that in committing himself and the African National Congress to reconciliation, he set back justice and economic freedom for the poor. South Africa, a post-conflict country with deep poverty and inequality, ethnic divisions, and a history of violent conflict, has nonetheless endured for 20 years now and shows little sign of relapsing despite its problems; perhaps in his passing we may discern the judgment of history on the choices he made.

Nelson Mandela’s death leaves everyone in mourning, but his legacy remains; when people met him, they felt better able to work miracles. That need not pass.

On behalf of the World Movement Steering Committee,

Paul Graham
Member (South Africa)