International   

Mandela keeps opinions to himself

Rory Carroll

— PHOTO: AP

The former South African President, Nelson Mandela, on the eve of his 88th birthday in Johannesburg on Monday.

Johannesburg: He still attends public events and lends his name to numerous causes but when it comes to politics, Nelson Mandela, perhaps the world's most powerful moral voice, has fallen silent.

South Africa is celebrating his 88th birthday on Tuesday in a blaze of affection, but in ignorance of the former President's views on key national and international questions. The silence follows bitter clashes with his successor, Thabo Mbeki, when Mr. Mandela was told to stop interfering in government policy.

``Mandela was treated like a difficult and bothersome old man who should go away,'' said Mark Gevisser, author of a coming Mbeki biography. ``It's possible he threw up his hands and concluded his moment had come and gone.''

Frailty and a desire to spend more time with family has also sapped his appetite for political engagement.

Tony Leon, leader of the Opposition Democratic Alliance, regretted that one of the country's few uncontested moral voices had faded. ``He's here but not here. He turns up for photo-ops but doesn't say much. We're impoverished by that.''

In a message to children on Monday, Mr. Mandela stressed the importance of education and urged the wealthy to assist poor children. But on political issues he remained silent. There is no consensus on why he has gone quiet.

On one level the reason is obvious: he is old, tires easily and wants to enjoy domestic life, something denied during 27 years of jail. A desire to let him relax is only part of the reason Mr. Mandela's advisers curtail his engagements. There is concern that his concentration is not what it was and that he might be liable to make a gaffe, said one insider. ``They are afraid to let him speak of his own accord.''

There is also evidence that the ANC leaders prefer the elder statesman to stay quiet. After stepping down in 1999, the Nobel laureate challenged the HIV/AIDS policies of Mr. Mbeki, who questioned the gravity of the epidemic. After public and private rows Mr. Mandela prevailed, helping to shunt the Government into taking the crisis more seriously, but several commentators testify to his roasting by Mr. Mbeki supporters, who accused him of disloyalty.

Mr. Leon said Mr. Mandela felt chastened by the party he loved and decided against more battles. ``I think he decided discretion was the better part of valour.''

— © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Displaced Lebanese flee to mountain villages
53 killed in Iraq blast
Mandela keeps opinions to himself
China grows by 10.9 per cent
Warrant for Benazir
Torn from their parents' arms
China flood toll 198
U.K. bans Islamist groups
Civilian dies in blast
Security concern for Hasina
U.S. for India, Pakistan continuing cooperation

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu