Goodbye Bafana

Nelson Mandela, fondly known as Bafana or Madiba passed away on Thursday, the 5th of December 2013. He was the backbone of anti apartheid movement in south Africa.  He was 95.

When I was studying in college, I used to see his image painted on the walls in Kolkata. He was a symbol of fight against white supremacy in south Africa. Throughout his life he fought against social injustice. In 1963 he was imprisoned by the white ruled apartheid regime and was sent to prison in Robben island, for protesting against white dominated apartheid regime, and for asking for one vote for one person. Whereas at that time, only white people could cast vote in south africa. In Robben island prison he spent 27 years of his life.

During his prison term, his wife Winnie Mandela continued to lead the protest against the apartheid regime.

Although South Africa is black majority country, still, during apartheid regime, the black african people did not have right to enter cities, or use the same toilet as white people, or use the same seat in bus as white people.  Black and white people could not play game together or take part in same tournament. They could not study together or make friendship.

The white people, who were 20% of the population,  had control over all the wealth and resources of the country and they controlled any uprising with ruthless brutality. 

The black people who were The 80% of the country's population, were never allowed to enter cities, and could enter only if they were employed by white people in office or home. They were confined to 4 localities of the country. 

Naturally they would protest and the entire world was with them in this protest. Except the US. 

Throughout the 1960's and 1970's USA continued to support the apartheid regime of SA. 

Only when by the end of 1980's, when all over the world all countries opposed the apartheid regime in SA, they decided to impose trade sanctions and economic embargo on South Africa.

Within one year of USA imposing the trade sanctions, the apartheid regime of SA felt immense economic pressure and decided to free Nelson Mandela and repealed the infamous Race Areas Act, and free and fair elections allowing the coloured people to vote.

So on 11th February 1990, Nelson Mandela, or Madiba as he is fondly called within his tribe, was released from Robben island prison after 27 year long confinement.

After he was freed, the apartheid regime of South Africa rapidly started to revel. Very soon, in 1994, African National Congress was voted to power and Mandela was elected as the president of the country.

The fear among white people was palpable, and a few of them formed white militia, and started training with firearms, fearing retribution from black people.

After becoming president of the country, Mandela took extra care that the white people do not become subject of revenge and retribution.

To that end he set up Truth and reconciliation commission, which was a means of reconciling with the past. Only if someone (white person) did extreme violent crime against black people, then only he was punished, or else everyone else was forgiven. 

Similarly, he took extra initiative to integrate rugby with black people. Earlier rugby sport used to be symbol of racist practice and the Jersey was hated by coloured people. But Mandela ensured that the Jersey of the team does not change just because the players are all white. And on one occasion he made sure that the team's match is watched and supported by 60,000 coloured 
people.

He wanted that white people should not feel afraid because political power has changed. They should integrate with South African society.

His bold steps ensured that there are very few acts of revenge or retribution. 

He was like a beacon of light for the entire world.

May his soul rest in peace. The world will be a lesser place without him.