This Black History Month today, February 11, marks the 34th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s historic release from Robin Island, having endured 27 years of captivity. We are reminded of Mandela’s profound vision – one that emphasized the imperative coexistence of traditional leadership and democracy for the unity and advancement of a nation. Mandela’s legacy endures through his efforts to establish a symbiotic relationship between tradition and modernity in post-apartheid South Africa. He championed education and inclusive governance, laying the groundwork for a harmonious future that honors both the heritage of the past and the aspirations of the present.
Born Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the icon was a member of the Madiba clan and Thembu royal family. His father, Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela served as a principal adviser to the King of the Thembu people, Jongintaba Dalindyebo. His mother, Nonqaphi Nosekeni, also hailed from noble lineage. At just 12 years old, Mandela became a ward of Jongintaba at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni after his father passed away.
Mandela was deeply rooted in Xhosa culture, history and tradition. Growing up amidst the tales of his ancestors’ bravery during the resistance wars, sowed the seeds that inspired him to carve his own path in the struggle for his people’s freedom.
Liberation Struggle
One of the major highlights of Madiba’s struggle for freedom is his journey towards reconciling traditional leadership with the principles of democracy. This journey spanning his time as a free man, in exile and in prison involved navigating through a landscape deeply scarred by the historical abuse and manipulation of traditional institutions. Both colonial powers and the apartheid regime had exploited traditional leadership for political gain and to effect divide and rule tactics.
The mistrust and vested interests surrounding traditional leadership complicated unity among Africans, as well as, the negotiations for South Africa’s new constitution. This often led to drawn-out contestations and even violence, especially in regions like KwaZulu-Natal. Yet still, Madiba believed that traditional leadership could play a vital role in fostering unity and reconciliation in the country.
Central to Mandela’s approach was the recognition of the historical significance of traditional leadership in organizing resistance against colonial intrusion. While the ANC had initially included an upper house for traditional leaders in its founding in 1912, the entanglement of traditional leadership with apartheid structures eventually necessitated a reevaluation. Mandela’s generation of ANC leaders pushed for transforming traditional leadership institutions to serve the interests of all South Africans within the framework of democratic principles.
However, dismantling the apartheid legacy required more than just constitutional reforms. It demanded the extrication of traditional leadership from the web of apartheid control, including the reincorporation of bantustans into a unitary South African state.
His strategy involved engaging with traditional leaders directly in spite of facing skepticism and hostility, both within the ANC and from traditional leaders themselves, who were wary of relinquishing their positions of authority. For example, he encountered resistance from leaders leaders in Bophuthatswana and Lebowa who vehemently opposed the ANC’s presence in his territory.
The Conference for a Democratic Future in December 1989 exemplified Mandela’s efforts to forge unity across diverse political and social groups, including traditional leaders and bantustan parties. Mandela’s post-release campaign focused on bringing traditional leaders into the fold of the liberation movement, denying them to the National Party while including them in the negotiation process.
Mandela Government
In line with ANC policy, several initiatives were undertaken to accommodate traditional leaders within the evolving governmental structure. Mandela’s government established Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders and the National House of Traditional Leaders, providing them with a platform to contribute meaningfully to governance. However, Mandela emphasized the need to ensure that traditional leaders did not wield authoritative powers outside the democratic process. They were urged to adapt to the changing social landscape and embrace democratic ideals.
The importance of education in facilitating this transition was not undermined either. Madiba noted the lack of awareness among some traditional leaders about the lessons of history, and the evolution of monarchies towards constitutional governance. He further advocated for investing in the education of traditional leaders’ children, encouraging ANC leaders to extend educational opportunities to them in order to overcome feudal mindsets.
Madiba believed that fostering a literate and enlightened leadership cadre committed to democratic values and equipped with the skills needed to navigate modern governance structures.
As Nelson Mandela’s presidency drew to a close in 1999, the integration of traditional leadership into South Africa’s democratic framework remained a work in progress. While his administration made strides in empowering traditional leadership while maintaining democratic ideals, the unresolved issue of land ownership and equitable access to national wealth by Africans persists as a significant obstacle on the path to achieving full liberation and economic empowerment for Black South Africans. Addressing these challenges remain imperative to realizing Madiba’s vision of a truly just and inclusive society for all.
