DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 13: Nelson Mandela speaks to ANC supporters during an election rally on April 13, 1994 in Durban, South Africa. The pre-election rally was just weeks before the historic democratic election on April 27, 1994 that Mr. Mandela won. Mr. Mandela became the first black democratic elected president in South Africa. He retired from office after one term in June 1999. (Photo by Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
Almost 30 years ago South Africans proudly stood in snaking queues to cast their first democratic vote. Their actions that day promised an equitable society, a just government and most importantly, for all to be seen as equal in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
Next year, scorned by that failed potential, they will head to the polls with an unshakeable pall and with scepticism of about the names greeting them on the ballot papers.
It is likely that the queues to vote will be shorter than they have ever been. With the possibility of coalitions looming large, seemingly the only factor uniting the electorate is a lack of enthusiasm to exercise their democratic duty.
South Africa is desperate for a leader. A leader such as it had in 1994. Nelson Mandela was not perfect — a fact he would have been quick to acknowledge. But his leadership steered the country out of the darkest period of its history and into beaming hope.
Under him, a divided nation could begin to imagine a future together for the first time.
His death in December 2013 was mourned across the land. Everyone you spoke to had a Madiba story, whether it was a memorable encounter with the man himself or simply a quote that had lingered with them.
Vigils were held in all provinces — across cities and rural areas alike — every night leading up to his funeral.
His final home in Houghton saw the unprecedented sight of hundreds of Joburgers marching and singing in unison on the streets by candlelight.
It’s been 10 years since Tata left us. With an eye to next year’s elections, we at the Mail & Guardian thought it would be prudent — perhaps even necessary — to ask what role his legacy plays today.
There will never be another Mandela … nor should we ask for one. But in times like these, with disillusion once more beginning to creep through society, such a tall figure could give us a hand up. Or, at the very least, have a lesson or two to hand down to their successors.