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As Mandela’s Condition Improves, South Africa’s Anxiety Remains
Nelson Mandela smiles for photographers after a meeting with actor Tim Robbins at the former South African President's home in Johannesburg on Sept. 22, 2005
As Nelson Mandela, 94, spent his fifth day in Pretoria’s Mediclinic Heart Hospital, South Africans’ alarm at his sudden decline has given way to a concern to preserve the dignity of a man who, to so many, represents the best of them and of all humanity. The respectful tone is apparent in the sparse updates on Mandela’s condition from his longtime friend, Mac Maharaj (also spokesman for President Jacob Zuma), who has been limiting the information he passes on essentially to five words: “Lung infection” and “serious but stable.” Zuma himself offered a more hopeful update on Wednesday, telling Parliament that his predecessor was “responding well to treatment” after a “difficult few days.” There has been little word from Mandela’s family, though his daughters Makaziwe, Zenani and Zindzi have all visited, as has his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The massing ranks of the world’s press have so far also played their part, observing a notable decorum by not crowding Mandela’s relatives and mostly restricting themselves to Maharaj’s occasional statements. Meanwhile South Africa’s press has taken on the role of national grief counselor. “It’s time to let him go,” was the front page of the Sunday Times this past weekend.
During the 27 years he spent as a prisoner of a racist white regime, Mandela became a global symbol of injustice. But he elevated himself to icon when, after his release in 1990, he put aside his own sacrifice and suffering and urged reconciliation rather than revenge; and then, to hold South Africa together, he formed a government with his former persecutors. His stature rose further when he retired after a single term as President in 1999, a contrast to the many African leaders, and then again in his 80s when he became a kind of sage and conscience to the world, using his eminence to promote peace and fight poverty and disease.
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