Why Mandela Day matters today

MANDELA Day presents yet another opportunity to further embed the beautiful attributes of what it means to be South African through our actions based on an everlasting commitment to dignity and respect for our common humanity.

This is according to Save our Sacred Lands convenor, Tauriq Jenkins as the world joins South Africans in celebrating the global icon’s birthday on Friday. 

The day comes at a time when South Africans are confronted with challenges of youth unemployment, the rising cost of living and alarming inequalities. Alleged corruption in the police service, including claims linking Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to a criminal syndicate have shaken the country, raising concerns about safety and the rule of law.

This year’s Mandela Day celebration takes place under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”.

In his Budget Vote Speech in Parliament this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “Madiba helped us see that we can achieve progress by staying true to the vision of a better, more equal society and by working together to make that vision a reality. Today, the world faces real and significant challenges. So do we as a country. We face an increasingly volatile world, with disruptions to global trade and deepening conflicts causing reverberations across the globe. 

“We face high levels of unemployment and economic growth that is too low to create jobs and reduce poverty. We face the corrosive effects of corruption and pervasive crime, to which the poorest are most vulnerable. We face the daunting task of building a state that is capable of tackling these challenges and restoring the trust of the people.”

The ‘spirit of Madiba’ is as much to do with action as is with consciousness, according to Jenkins. 

“Without action towards ending oppression, it becomes a cheap political talking point by entities that wish to commodify the pain of liberation and resistance while simultaneously ignoring the realities on the ground. It should not be a day of false nostalgia but an opportunity to further embed the beautiful attributes of what it means to be South African through our actions based on an everlasting commitment to dignity and respect for our common humanity.

“In a world where freedoms and rights are diminishing, where fascist regimes are increasing and tyranny is given free reign, where international law is on the brink of collapse, it’s vital that we as South Africans re-commit to staunchly safeguarding our civic and civil society space, as well as insist that the entities meant to protect our human rights and collective access to the constitution are protected and given life,” said Jenkins.

Stellenbosch University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel Professor Nico Koopman believes South Africa needs to have days like Mandela Day because “human beings are forgetful ones”. 

“We need to be reminded. We need to remember examples and enablers like Madiba.  Madiba’s exemplary living should not be viewed as a morality of elitism. What he did, is what we should strive for. It is achievable for all of us. Moreover, we should remember that he was not perfect. So, we should also not idolise Madiba. He was human like us.  We hunger for Madiba’s civil courage to stand up against wrongs; to stand up for what is right. In a society and broader world of so much alienation and enmity, violence and war, we should remember his courageous strive for unity, his participation in the quest for a life of dignity for all.” 

He said there was not  enough of this courage and boldness for togetherness, amidst diversity and amidst so many reasons for division, separation and conflict.

“Only together can we locally and globally overcome our manifold challenges and concerns, crises and cries,” said Koopman. 

UCT’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance student Smangaliso Mbili  sees Mandela Day  as a chance to reset.

“While there’s no doubt that South Africa faces wicked challenges, from deepening inequality to fractured systems, the spirit of Mandela Day reminds us that the work of justice lives not only in grand reforms, but in how we show up, day by day. 

“As a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, one of the most enduring lessons from my year in residence was around reconciliation, the dance of navigating complexity, of holding both the light and the shadow. So wherever you find yourself today, at home, at work, in a taxi, or at a school gate let this be your invitation: Start where you are. Use what you have. Serve who you can,” Mbili said.

Cape Times