The daughter of my dear friend, the late Elsa Subong, spontaneously came to mind when my online calendar of events flashed that it would be Nelson Mandela Day on Tuesday, July 22.
Why care about an event focused on one who lived in a country almost 12,000 miles away? The question may be raised by one who has a very narrow world view and has not been familiar with the struggle of colored South Africans for equality and justice.
Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95. He was the first black head of state of the country who focused on “dismantling the legacy of apartheid by promoting national reconciliation.” Apartheid in that country, which lasted for almost five decades since 1948, covered in racial segregation under the all-white government which ruled that non-whites, who actually composed majority of the population, were made to live in separate areas from whites.
Employment opportunities and social activities as well as use of public facilities were also limited because of their color.
Prior to his election, Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years because of his crusade to put an end to apartheid in the 1950s. He was arrested for seditious activities and was sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the government, a case of treason.
Because of international and domestic pressure, then President Frederik Willian de Klerk was compelled to release him in 1990. His freedom led to the negotiation to end apartheid and eventually to his election in 1994.
Mandela and de Clerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their efforts peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.
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My friend’s daughter, Edel, lived in the capital city of Johannesburg for six years – until 2019 – after she got married to South African national, Imre Csoka. The couple and their daughter, Olivia, are now residing in Iloilo City.
Edel is currently the director of the International and Local Linkages Office at West Visayas University, where she is also teaching Journalism and Development Communication classes.
Edel shared her thoughts about the late South African leader in the following Q&A interview:
What did you learn about Mandela, especially during your stay in South Africa? How did his anti-apartheid crusade touch you and other people of color there?
Edel: I’ve been reading about Nelson Mandela since high school but it was only during my stay in South Africa that I realized how serious his crusade against apartheid was.
During my stay, I have learned from almost all the races I was exposed to there that Mandela envisioned a united South Africa. They call it the “Rainbow Nation”, which means that all races live harmoniously. Mandela used to be very impulsive and aggressive as a young lad but, in prison, he learned patience. He even studied the Afrikaans language to be understood. He knew that the power of communication was the key to convey his message of peace and equality.
Do you think Mandela’s mission remains relevant today in South Africa and also globally?
Edel: I am not so sure if the world lives up to his mission because even if he’s a legacy, I can see “differently” the world acts of kindness and dignity “… but I believe that in South Africa, his mission of bringing an end to inequality has taken shape in the form of the implementation of BEE, or the Black Employment Equality.”
Blacks are prioritized when it comes to employment; and there are no punishments for interracial marriages; all “colors” are allowed to mingle and stay in a place, regardless of status in life; racist words aren’t allowed there.
In general, how do South Africans remember and regard Nelson Mandela? How did Mandela personally influence you?
Oh, Nelson Mandela is called “Tata” by the South Africans, especially of the Xhosa (they speak in “clicks”), which means “father”. He is a “big deal” for South Africans. He and Desmond Tutu (the Anglican bishop and theologian known for his anti-apartheid and human rights advocacy) actually. They both believed in “peaceful reconciliation”.
I know Portuguese families who named their children after him. His birthday and death are commemorated. In South Africa, everyone celebrates him that during Mandela Day, they lay a wreath on his tomb, and people give speeches, sharing experiences and expressing admiration.
And oh, there is a Soweto tour where you can ride a bike and visit his house there – it’s for public viewing for a small fee. There are edifices named after him.
Personally, as a Communication teacher, I follow Nelson Mandela’s “way” in terms of interpersonal relationship: speak the same language as your audience does. It helps a lot in getting the message across and getting things done.
What should Filipino leaders learn from Mandela?
Edel: The way I see it, one thing Filipino leaders must learn from Mandela is, it does not matter what party you are under, you are a “brother” and we must work as family, all for the country and the people.
Imre also shared his thoughts by saying: “Not just leaders must learn from him but the people in general. Mandela showed us the value of another chance for one’s self. Mandela was a rebel and he was imprisoned. But he did not let that prison cell damage him. Instead, he motivated himself to come out a better person than he used to be.”
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We join South Africans and the rest of the world in celebrating Nelson Mandela, who was described by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as “a leader of extraordinary humanity…a giant of our times.”
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Happy World Chess Day (July 20) to friends who have developed the passion for the sport. Chess is described as “a global game which promotes fairness, inclusion and mutual respect,” thereby contributing to the promotion of tolerance and understanding among people’s and races by breaking down racial and political barriers and discrimination and defusing conflict.
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For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him. (Romans 10:12) – NWI
