Nelson Mandela's memory sullied by failures of reconciliation

 

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Carol Forsloff - "On behalf of the United States, I wish Nelson Mandela a very happy 92nd birthday. We are grateful to continue to be blessed with his extraordinary vision, leadership, and spirit. 

So begins a letter from President Barack Obama on the birthday of Nelson Mandela about a man known to the world as the person who wanted reconciliation and a new future for South Africa.

But that future remains sullied by racial strife and injustice.  Whereas apartheid brought its round of troubles, the end of it brought problems as well.  It was an almost-sudden happening, like desegregation in America, lifting the gates but without the underlying preparation of education and social supports to make an effective transition, according to people like Ophelia Dumars, whom Green Heritage News spoke with more than a year ago.

She said, "Integration actually put our children back.  White teachers punished our children, and black people didn't like that.  In the meantime black teachers were in short supply, and those around who disciplined white children were also looked at with suspicion.  There was not a lot of preparation or time for this to take place, and not much help afterward either.

In South Africa, the problem of the Afrikaners are often brought up by the Afrikaners as very serious, especially for farmers in the rural areas.  It is an ongoing problem, they say, the world ignores.

In the meantime, the world does recognize the efforts of good men to bring the best to the world, even if some members of that "rest of the world" does not follow through with the pronouncements.

As Obama continued with his declaration today, " And we strive to build upon his example of tolerance, compassion and reconciliation. I also join the American people, the South African people, the United Nations, and the world in celebrating the first annual Nelson Mandela International Day. I encourage us all to heed the call to engage in some form of service to others, in honor of the 67 years of sacrifice and service Madiba gave to us.  We strive to follow his example of what it means to truly give back to our communities, our nations, and our world."