6 - 08 December 2013 - The Observer
6 - 23 March 2014 - The Observer
Comment:
COMMENT
Comment & Analysis
Mandela legacy – peace
but poverty for blacks
Comment & Opinion
Sanctions:
WE BEG TO
Mandela: DIFFER
JUSTICE MAKARAU Portugal re-ignites debate on Zim
An African icon I
Comment:
– peace
OAfrican terms Mandela legacyblacks
“Tpoverty for
on
but
acceptance that in its sparring with thenpresident FW de Klerk in the early 1990s, the
ANC under Mandela, a self-confessed economic
N the 10 years after he withdrew from novice, focused too much on the quest for
public life, Nelson Mandela divided his time political rather than economic power.
Comment & Analysis
In less polite impact the country than the
between
The Publico a mansion in one of Johannesburg’s
that have had more terms, on theANC’s stance
wealthiest suburbs is need to re-think andhome in translatedsanctions. quip popular atofthe dinner
here and his ancestral repackage economic into a People only hear
sanctions but
Qunu, a village promotion Africa’s impoverished parties other side of whites: “We’ll give them the
in South of democracy in Africa not the of wealthy the story.
vote but keep the banks.”
eastern Cape.
in a way that ordinary people
Unfortunately many Zimbabweans both in urban
William Gumede, a professor at Wits
The contrast could not have been starker.
would understand how democratic and rural areas, but more so in the latter, strongly believe
In one, his neighbours were cast in the Business School in Johannesburg, said it was
transitionof linked to bread and butter issues.” mining wrong external conspiracy theory. It out.
in the to argue that Mandela sold is worse in rural
image is the white “Rand Lords”, the
If we are to bankersthe retreat of democracy in areas where there is economic negotiations were
contain who built the sprawling
“However, the little or no access to information.
magnates and
Africa,- it is necessary to rethinkeconomy - from the not as robust in the political ones,” he said. who
the way it is presented, Unfortunately, even in urban areas there thencity and Africa’s biggest
acceptance that as its sparring with are people
which has been neo-liberal and Eurocentric, or American, believe that.was a glib acceptance among most in
BY REUTERS
president FW de Klerk in the early 1990s, this argument.
“There However the facts contradict the
vast gold reserves in the rock beneath their feet.
ANC under Mandela, self-confessed do was capture
not taking into account wereAfrican peasant farmers the ANC that allathey needed toeconomic has now
the black context. There is
Despite international criticism, Mugabe
In the other, they
the 10 link after he withdrew from novice, focused for vice-president the could transform
need N in thatched “rondavel”on how it brings food political power, and then they the Executive Council
to explicitly yearsdemocracy huts and eking out
been chosen too much on of quest for
living
public life, Nelson Mandela divided his time political rather than economic power.
a living onawindswept hillsides in scenes
to the table. The UN Highone of Johannesburg’sthat In less African It was (AU). The choice of Zimbabwe
of economy. terms, simplistic stance
between mansion in Commissioner on Human the the polite Union a the ANC’sargument, and
have hardly changed so well in respect of human reflectsinto thequip relationship between Zimbabwe
Rights Navvi Pillay did it in centuries, let alone the it was also symbiotic popular at the dinner
wealthiest suburbs and his ancestral home in translated a a Mandela argument.”
two when she presented lecture impoverished parties South Africa and “We’ll give them the awe
Qunu, a village in the end of apartheid.
rights decades sinceSoutha Africa’sin Zimbabwe on 13 andof wealthy whites: thepower inwatched in needed
the region. Those in world Zimbabwe
vote acceptanceFebruary of the Mandela left Cape
but keep by the AU
eastern Cape.
May While few query free flow of information can when, on the banks.”11, 1990,results of the elections.
2012, for example how Mandela’s achievement
William Gumede, a professor at Wits
not have been starker.
in The contrast couldAfrica back from
help dragging to prepare for major disasters.the brink Town’s Victor Verster prison and raised his fistof
a country South
At the same time, the international reintegration
In one, his neighbours 1990s cast in the Business Schoolthe crowds as he stepped was on his
were and brokering in salute to in Johannesburg, said it out
of Regarding the human rights situation in the country, Zimbabwe serves countries desirous of being seen as
civil war in the early
image of the white “Rand Lords”, the mining wrong to argue that Mandela sold out.
a peaceful
centuries violations and the nation’s “Long
there has andend to three built the sprawling
an improvement on theof white “However, the economic Walk to Freedom”a -second
influential, [shows their importance]. There is the
negotiations were
magnates beenbankers who
dominance, tougher questions are from the not title of his subsequent autobiography.
being asked as robust as the political ones,” he said.
city - to Africa’s biggest economy relatingand the integrity of the body and dignity with reason: when you look at Africa, it is governed by a “club
The start of a momentous political transition,
of
vastthe country he leaves behind. their feet.
cases gold reserves in the violence, torture, kidnappings “There was awho put the [personal relationships] ahead
relating to organised rock beneath
of friends” glib acceptance among most in
Despite more were black peasant farmers the it was also a key moment do was capture
In the other, theythan 10 years of affirmative ANC that all they needed to in the evolution of a
having in thatched substantially huts and eking out has of the principles in the they could transform
living decreased “rondavel” but the situation political of Mandelathen logic of relations, “I support you
action to redress the balance under the banner cult power, and both at home and abroad.
either “black windswept or empowerment”, that civil economy. It was a simplistic argument, and
a living on economic hillsides in scenes South
Man and myth
of remained the same worsened in regard to the today, and you support me tomorrow.”
have hardly changed in the world’s alone freedom
liberties: remains one of centuries, letmost unequal was also 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace
They close ranks when it comes
In the Mandela argument.” to their relationship
Africa the right of assembly, association, the it
two decades and the end of apartheid.
of expression sincepolitical participation freedoms. As South the Westand protect each other in case one day there
with Africa and the world watched in awe won
jointly with de Klerk, and left Cape
societies and whites still control huge swathes Prize,February 11, 1990, Mandela in 1995 he
While few query Mandela’s achievement when, on
you know there were elections last year, which were over all but the mostfor their shortcoming before the
are called
of dragging South Africa back from the brink Town’s Victor to account diehardraised his fist as he
the economy.
Verster prison and right-wingers
in
largely viewed words early leadingand brokering not salute to the crowds as systems whiteas the his side
In war by the of 1990s trade unionist international criminal he stepped Springbok
of civil the in the international community as in saluted the overwhelmingly suchout on International
having reflected the people’s centuries ofare an Irish that nation’s “Long Walk to Freedom” - the
not and Criminal the Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg.
Zwelinzima Vavi, three will. is akin
a peaceful end toits structure People towhite free the wonCourt.
his is immortalised in a and historical window
dominance, tougher questions views as asked a
coffee - black at the bottom, with some white
to associate, and to express their are beingwe live in title of He subsequent autobiography. glassrelations. In
There are also personal stained
of the country he where people exercise mendacity for in start of a momentous political transition,
froth police state leaves behind.
thoughtand a sprinkling of chocolate on the top. TheSoweto’sthese are rootedMundi church; statues
many cases giant Regina in liberation struggles, but
key moment in the evolution
Despite more than 10 years of affirmative it was also a dancing, boxing or raising of a
are
On average, a
earns
fear of prosecution.the white household banner six of Mandelaon corruption. and abroad. his fist of the
alsohim
cult of based both at home For the acceptance
action to redress
balance under the
dotted myth the country; and in 2012 the
times moreeconomic the government hasSouth ina Man andof Zimbabwe there is a combination of factors.
than a black one, and nearly one
Since the elections, empowerment”, relaxed
regime across
of “black
three remains unemployed, compared with
Africa blacks isone of fight for once it consolidated central bank issued Mugabe bank Peace
bit as there is nothing tothe world’s most unequalone In 1993,the ability awarded thetoNobelnotes the region,
One is he was of a set of manipulate bearing
in 20 whites.
societies and turn eased control to their hegemony. his face. with de Klerk, manipulation won
power, which inwhites stillthe threat huge swathes Prize, jointlyand SADC. Thisand in 1995 heis based on the
the AU
over allThe announcement about
right-wingers
of the economy.are fodder for critics of the 1994
notes came on
Such ratios into account the allegations of factbut the most diehardleaders the not as he what to
Even taking
that some younger
do
know
In the that of leading trade down saluted the overwhelmingly anniversary of his
settlement words brought the curtainunionist on February 11, the 22ndwhite Springbok side release
electoral fraud and its structure is akin to an Irish that won thethe old World Cupof leaders like Mugabe, they
bad economy - inflation, poverty, do with Rugby generation in Johannesburg.
Zwelinzima Vavi,
nearly half a century of institutionalised white- from prison.
unemployment, how does one explain Mugabe’s political He is immortalised inforstained glasselder which is akin
have fearful
as
coffee - black at the bottom, with some white
In giant an atmosphere,anit was perhaps
minority a sprinkling Mandela anointed South Soweto’ssuch respect a him church;window
rule and saw
in to resignation,Regina Mundi
statues
froth and Yes,
longevity? first his party of chocolate on the top.
has the support of many people inevitable thatlet him episodes he wants, because the
do what of his single fivesome
Africa’s
black president.
household
and On average, a reasons for this. Firstearns six as him dancing, president are glossed fist areis built on
there are many white support theheanecdotal year term as boxing patriarchal basis over.
appears of African society has a or raising his which
The numbers also
times more than a black one, and nearly one in dotted across the country; and in 2012 the
this grandfather ofwealthy urbanto them,withsomeone] respect for olderapeople. There notes bearingLibyan
evidence from independence neighbourhoods central His close personal bank is another reason which
bank issued set of friendship with
three blacks is unemployed, compared [as one who has theMandela’s Houghton - where, 19 years face. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi drew crit icismbe
his is malicious: some countries in the region strive to
in 20 whites.people’s interests at heart. And the more leader
including
you Such it, the more there“Rainbow of will eventually The announcement about the notes came who said:
hear ratios are fodder for critics Nation”, most -competitive, to rebuttal from Mandela, on
and a fierce have better relations with Europe and
after the birth of his are those who the 1994
settlement topeople to be seen are down on a “Those the feel anniversary ourafriendship with
brought the curtain housemaids,
feel indebtedthat him. Combined with this, there is February 11,who22nd irritated by of his release and mock
America, they place Mugabe put on pedestal
of the black
nearly half a century of institutionalised white- from prison.
President Gaddafi they break rank in private,
security guards or gardeners.
lack of credible opposition and the buying of votes In such private while can go it wasinperhaps and to
him in an atmosphere, jump the pool.”
minority rule and saw Mandela anointed South
The 2010 are smart.
with “Mandela has gone a as agrarian in doing If one that extent some episodes of his single fivepopulist policies such bit too far reforms. good
inevitable that they“blood diamonds” testimony of
Africa’s first black president.
to The non-blackalso support largest urbansome term assupermodel Naomi Campbell at a Hague
looksthe voting patterns within the the anecdotal yearBritish example is are glossed over. as Zambia and
at numbers communities, really in areas,
An president how countries such
evidence frommore information, there is more cases at the wealthy urban neighbourhoods votes war crimes tribunalfriendship with on the land issue
where there is expense of (blacks),” Zimbabwean His closepurport to support Mugabeuncomfortable
Nigeria personal also shone an Libyan
including Mandela’s Houghton - where, 19 years leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi drew criticism
President Robert Mugabe said in a documentary but grabbed all Zimbabwean white farmers 1997 for
for the opposition, but not so in rural areas-information light on a dinner Mandela hosted in who are now
rebuttal from Mandela, whose presence
after the birth of his “Rainbow Nation”, most - and a fiercewarlord Charles Taylor, who said:
aired where people continue to vote in May 2013.
ghettos,on South African televisionhousemaids, and Liberian feel own nations.our friendship with
feeding
of the black people to be seen are for Mugabe “Those whotheir irritated by
at the table called sanctions, we often do not have a
“That’s being too saintly, too population.
good.”
Zimbabwe has a predominantly rural
With regards to into question South Africa’s
President Gaddafi can go jump in the pool.”
security guards or gardeners.
‘ethical’ “blood diamonds” testimony of
“He let us down”a-bit too far in doing good of The 2010foreign policy.
Winnie.The defenders
“Mandela has gone
Mugabe is also benefiting from the heritage of the position on that as an organisation. Whether to lift
infamous ‘Arms Deal’,
Mandela’s
Mugabe’s violent
British Then there is theis a sovereign decision a $5
to the for settlement note that really people
struggle non-black communities,reminds in some that or supermodel Naomi Campbell at a Hague of other
independence and
impose sanctions
seizure of expense of (blacks),” Zimbabwean war crimes defence equipment uncomfortable
cases at the white-owned farms in neighbouring billion tribunal also shone ancontract that erupted
voting for the opposition meansin areturn to war. The countries inasmuch as Zimbabwein 1997 right to make
on dinner Mandela for Mandela’s for
President Robert Mugabe said a documentary lightinto a massive scandal hosted has the successor,
Zimbabwe from 2000 triggered an eight-year
memory of the war is present and many May 2013. the Thabo Mbeki, and remains the defining episode
aired on South African television in people think that its own sovereign decisions. Our view is that the human
economic collapse and confirmed his fall in Liberian warlord Charles Taylor, whose presence
at rights ANC’s into improve, South Africa’s
“That’s being too saintly, too good.”
there isof outsiders from respected liberationpower. the the situation slide question regardless of whether the
eyes no alternative but to vote for the party of hero in table called must from post-apartheid grace.
foreign policy.
The“He let usof “indigenization” [which determined sanctions are there criticism of Mbeki and has to
policies down” - Winnie.The defenders of ‘ethical’Amid fierce or not. However the U.S. also the
to international pariah.
Then there is the infamous ‘Arms Deal’, a $5
Mandela’s settlement note that Mugabe’s violent
that 51% his corporate capital was transferred to blacks current making its own sovereign judgment and to assess
of criticism of Mandela finds echoes in
keep on president, Jacob Zuma, also embroiled
Yet
seizure of white-owned farms in neighbouring billion defence equipment contract that erupted
and led corners of 2000African National Congress in massive scandal forare effectivesuccessor,chosen it
some to the departure triggered an farmers in into a the furore, many Mandela’s or have
Zimbabwe from the of many white eight-year the whether the sanctionsSouth Africans not and if not
country] also explains the maintenance fall Mugabe in to Mbeki, and tothe deal was first episode
might be that reconsider other ways of encouraging
(ANC), collapse and confirmed his of in the Thabo forgettime remains the defining announced in
economicthe 101-year-old liberation movement
in reforms.
eyes ofWhen forces with the aware thathero the 1998, when Mandela was still in grace.
that outsiders from respected unions he
power. joined the President becameliberation and could the ANC’s slide from post-apartheidoffice.
to power to the pariah. topple apartheid.
On the criticism of the whether the black
Communist Party to
loseinternational opposition he decided to take the land, Amid our opinion it’s hard toMbeki and they have been
In fierce streets of say spr awling
Yet a 2010 interview with the wife of British township ofJacob Zuma, also embroiled and
his criticism of Mandela finds echoes in current president,
Soweto, where police
take Incorners of the African National Congress in the furore, or not,South Africans have chosen
it
some away from white farmers and give it to blacks, effective many although many people, at least those
author national interest as the reason. movement to disgruntled unemployed youngsters stillin off
citing the V.S. Naipaul, the anti-apartheidwe all know forget dare speak out was this issue, since most do not,
But firebrand
who that the deal on first announced face
(ANC), the 101-year-old liberation
and joined forces with the unions and the 1998, sporadic, violent still in office.
that “Mother was motivated Winnie Madikizelathat the decisionof the Nation”by political rather than inwhen Mandela was protests over poor housing
think they are not effective anymore.
public services, the the sanctions what
Mandela Party to her apartheid.
Communistaccused redistribution was necessary, but and the streets of there are plenty who strategy
national interests. Yes, topple former husband of On The question now is aftersprawling black do not
and
In a out interview broken by his 27 years in
of British township of Soweto, where
Mandela myth.
selling 2010after beingwith the wife serve particular buy thethe U.S follow, which is police question that is
was made in a chaotic manner and to
should
also a
author V.S. prisons. the anti-apartheid firebrand disgruntled unemployedon saying: ‘I am here for the
“Mandela kept youngsters still face off
apartheid Naipaul,
political interests. the Nation” Winnie Madikizela- in sporadic, to answer. In the U.S. there was the same debate
difficult
and“Mandela did go to prison and he went in people, violentthe servant ofpoor housing What
“Mother of
I am protests over the nation.’
This had negative knockformer husbandeconomy. public services, therevery plenty who do notthe U.S is
on effects on the of and on Iran, which was are divisive but how
Mandela accused her
there as a burning young revolutionary. Butin buy did Mandela myth.
look the he do? He signed papers that allowed white
selling out after being
years
Although President she broken by his 27West and the people to keepIranian situation can help.■
approaching the the mines and the farms,” said
what came out,” Mugabe accuses the saying.
was quoted as
apartheid prisons.
international sanctions down.the country’s to a bad “Mandela kept on saying: ‘I am here for a roadside
for He agreed situation, 49-year-old Majozi Pilane, who runs the
“Mandela let us
“Mandela did go to prison and he went in people, I am the servant of the nation.’ What
however it theZimbabwe’s sovereign decisions look on he do? He signed paperscigarettes. white
deal as a is blacks. Economically, we are chaotic
there for burning young revolutionary. But -still did stall selling sweets and that allowed
land distribution, she was quotedvery the Democratic
people “He did the mines and the farms,” said poor
to keep absolutely nothing for all the
whatoutside. The economy is as saying. ‘white’.
the came out,” sending troops to much
“Mandela let us down. but so many a the 49-year-old Majozi country.”
Republica of Congo, printing money, rewardingbad war people of this Pilane, who runs a roadside
It has few token blacks, He agreed to who gave
deal for the otherstruggle have died unrewarded.”
veterans and blacks. Economically, we withstill on stall selling sweets and cigarettes.
their life in the reasons- combined are corruption
“He did absolutely nothing for all the poor
the outside. The economy is very much ‘white’.
- this Telegraph
Even token academics, there is broad
It has a fewamongblacks, but so many who gave people ofThe country.”
BY REUTERS
6 - 08 December 2013 - The Observer
ne of the tragic results of three decades of this Zanu PF
brainwashing is that it has lowered people’s ability to think logically.
Zimbabweans have become masters of rhetorical nonsense; yes,
even Supreme Court Judges too are at it.
“Most commentators reacted more to the result than to the process,” Supreme
Court of Zimbabwe and ZEC chairperson Justice Rita Makarau told delegates at
the start to a three day conference at Harare International Conference Centre.
The conference is All-stakeholders review conference on everyone will want
n mourning former South African President Nelson Mandela,the 2013 referendum
to claim him for their own. And that byaZEC. thing.
and harmonised elections hosted is good
Some will want to claim him the part confessionals about their own countries’
To start with; if ZEC has as money to host this three-day conference at the
complicity in aiding apartheid.
nation’s most expensive conference centre, then surely it must have the money
Others as participants problem thatcontinental and global strugglesthe release the
to fix the computer in domestic, the commission said is stopping that brought
down the last bastion of settler colonialism in Africa.
voters roll!
Others still in their own failures and fervent desire to be judged as better players
Second, if the conference is meant to stop a repeat of the serious shortcomings
in the struggles against colonialism and imperialism.
in last year’s elections then why is Judge Makarau obsessed about restricting the
Like everyone else, I will join the queue. I will however claim Nelson Mandela as an
discussion on being held in the process, and reach.
African icon beforethe one aspect,awe by his global not the process and results?
This is rhetorical nonsense; to give an accurate description of a as a global
An African icon in the sense that before we were enamored to Mandeladonkey one
n mourning in oneself to he front or behind of the animal but covers as
brand (as they restrict marketing) the was an African leader facedeveryone will want
does not say former South African President Nelson Mandela, with decisions the
to claim that faced own. And that is a of his and
tough as those himbecauseother African iconsgoodfront and behind.
whole animal for their the donkey has both a thing. later times.
to claim him as part
their own countries’
He wasSome will want meaningful review ofconfessionals about therefore cover each
A never a leader to be deemed the ‘acceptable type’. Otherwise they would
thorough and
the elections must
complicity in aiding apartheid.
not have had him and others imprisoned on the infamous Robben Island for so many
aspect of the process and every aspect of the results to see how one affected the
years. Others as participants in domestic, continental and global struggles that brought
down
last
other. the he bastion of settler colonialism in Africa.
Neither was still one to betray eitherand ferventor his comrades in thebetteragainst
his cause desire
fight players
Others
in
In struggles against colonialism and imperialism. to be judged as process but is
Judgetheir own failures viewed people from just the
Makarau not only
apartheid. factwas not a romantic who wants us to focus on either a religious or a
in the He
messianic standpoint. I will join the the “patently good practices thatMandela asthe
narrowing this down further to queue. I will however claim Nelson attended an
Like everyone else,
Africanleader is like looking in awefront of the donkey, zoom even before and
He process.” Thiswho being heldat theof his placement in history,in on its head the
was a icon before was cognizant by his global reach.
age of satellite television, internet and mass we were enamored togood’ portrayals of
An rightly, conclude sense that before no horns.
then, African icon in thethat donkeys havemarketing. The ‘feel Mandela as a global
brand icon, came in marketing) had decided that the struggle for decisions as
this African (as they say long after he he was an African leader faced with his people’s
Yeah; be there
tough as buthis life.faced other African icons of his and later they
freedom shall those thatare cows that do not have horns and yettimes.are still cows not
donkeys!once think thatto be deemed the ‘acceptable becoming the iconic figure
He was never a leader
I do not for
Mandela envisaged himself type’. Otherwise they would
not have is obsessed about the process on the infamous Robben Islandcommission
had him and others imprisoned and not the results as if the for so many
ZEC
that would adorn murals, cups and t-shirts. His primary task was, together with
years.
others and in a was he one to betrayprocess. cause thehis comrades in the fight against
multi-racial fashion, the pursuit
was appointed to deliver on a either his of or goals of the Freedom Charter.
Neither
It is trite that there not afellow want to viewed will the from either a religiousview
apartheid. He was are romantic who talk about attempt to mistakenly know
The Commission does not Africans who people results because they or a
messianic
Mandela resultsstandpoint. true reflection of the democratic wishes of the people of
the from the perspective of not having achieved the goals of the Freedom
were not a
CharterHe was a leader who was cognizant of his placement in history, even before the
as though he wrote it alone.
Zimbabwe. Everyone knows that Mugabe rigged the elections.good’ portrayals of
Or age of satellite television, internet and mass marketing. The ‘feel the CODESA talks
those that will argue that he made mistakes in relation to
this African icon, came long after he had decided thata clean voters roll people’s
the struggle for his
that ledOne of ZEC’s key responsibilities is to make sure Apart from theirs is released
to majority black government in South Africa.
being an
freedom shall be his life.
at that we must respect, we would have tohas failed to release a voters roll and
the
ZEC point out
opinionIleast a month before thatelections.envisaged himselfthat this is a mistaken even
do not for once think
Mandela
becoming the iconic figure
ahistoricalwould of the man. the elections although there have been repeated calls for
now; seven months after cups and t-shirts. His primary task was, together with
that view adorn murals,
others and even Oliver
Mandela and in a multi-racial fashion,revolutionarythe goals of the Freedom Charter.
the commission to do so.Tambo’s the pursuit of and generational task was to
lead theIfisZEC was to discussto attain independence loopholes to mistakenlyisview
ItANC and South Africa fellow Africans who will attemptstage of what still
trite that there are
the results or gapping as a first in the process that
Mandela from the perspective of Revolution (NDR).
referred to as the National Democraticnot having achieved the goals of the Freedom
allowed as though rigging then the commission will have to answer the difficult
Charter the vote he wrote it alone.
And because there is no politics without stages, they were correct to negotiate
Or those that will argue that he made
questions Nationalistsvoters roll has not mistakes in relation to the CODESA talks
with the white of why the for government in been released, for example.
an inclusive and ceasefire constitution.
that led to majority black
South Africa. Apart from theirs being an
ZEC’s excuse for not releasing the was andpoint out upthesubsequent cadres
That initial that wethe revolution done, it voters roll was that to computer withand
opinion task of must respect, we would have to remains that this is a mistaken the
ahistorical view down. That
data has continue working was in the fulfillment of the rest of the believe the
of the NDR to brokenof the man. towards August 2013! We are expected toaspirations
of the anti apartheid even Oliver Tambo’s revolutionarysingle generational task was to
Mandela and struggle.
computer has not been fixed and there is not one and hard copy available to be
lead the ANC and South Africa to attain
In Nkrumahist parlance, Mandela sought independence as a first stage of what is still
released.to as theone computer that willfirst the political kingdom in anticipation
never ever be fixed!
referred This is National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
that everything else would never be released because it is the smoking gun to how the
follow.
The voters roll will
And because there is no politics without stages, they were correct to negotiate
It has been whitefor the South Africans, but it is a processconstitution. democratic
with the were rigged.
electionsslow Nationalists for an inclusive and ceasefire that remains
and is most initial task of the revolution done, it was and remains up complete departure
That definitely underway. There was never going to be a to subsequent cadres
Of course there is no hope that the next elections, whenever they are from
from the past in to continue working towards the fulfillmenta complete departure going
of the NDR South Africa just as there has never been of the rest of the aspirations
to the held, will not be rigged
the same inanti apartheid struggle. once again and thus the people again denied a
of be Zimbabwe.
In Nkrumahist with governance of colonialism
Wemeaningful say in the the Mandela of the country.political kingdom in anticipation
all still grapple parlance, vagariessought first the and imperialism. We however
that everything else would
are not The failureto them.freefollow.
beholden to hold Nationalist sentiment alone iswhy the nation is in this
elections is the core reason not enough either for
It has been Zimbabwe.
South Africa or forslow for the South Africans, but it is a process that remains democratic
political and economic mess and another rigged electionais anotherdeparture
and is most definitely underway. There was never going to be complete forfeited
Mandela, like Nyerere and Cabral, taught us that beenmust navigate our ideals
from the past out of Africa just
chance to get in Souththe mess. as there has never we a complete departure from
with what is most pragmatic while ensuring that future generations do not forget
the same in Zimbabwe.
What is to take our
vote stages those tasked
that their taskhope is there of stopping thehigherrigging ifimperialism. Weto ensure
We all still grapple withrevolutions to colonialism andand within generational
the vagaries of
however
contexts.not beholden to them. not even look at their seriousnot enough either for
free and fair elections will Nationalist sentiment alone is failures but contend
are
South Africa or for Zimbabwe.
themselves with hiding behind rhetorical nonsense!
Mandela, like Nyerere and Cabral, taught us that we must navigate our ideals
“The perception that we have gained maybe correctly or incorrectly is that
with what is most pragmatic while ensuring that future generations do not forget
immediately afterto take our revolutions to higher commentators reacted more to
that their task is the harmonised elections, most stages and within generational
contexts.
the result than to the process,” said Judge Makarau. Yes Judge your perception is
impeccable; a cow with no horns must be a donkey!■
Mandela:
I
An African icon I
on African terms
I
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