Posted by Leonard Steinberg on December 15th, 2013

I immigrated to the USA about 29 years ago, and I am a US citizen now (which makes me African-American I guess), but today I feel very African with the burial of Nelson Mandela. Today I fully understand why so many immigrants, regardless of how long they have lived in this country, feel an affinity to their place of birth. Today I am feeling very South African.

Nelson Mandela stands as an icon to all leaders around the world, not only in politics, but in all leadership roles. While a flawed human being, he will be marked in history as one of the world’s GREAT leaders. To me his greatest, most memorable achievement was his ability to forgive and look toward the future. When I left South Africa amidst turbulence and extreme violence on the streets, I never thought the inevitable transition from the disgraceful Apartheid system would be peaceful at all. We all expected the very worst. Nelson Mandela proved us all wrong by bringing together warring tribes and hate-fueled races to build a future for South Africa admired by all.

The ANC is not fully living up to the Mandela dream, and needs to re-evaluate many of its bad practices and policies. The corruption, death, crime and murder rate in South Africa that affects the people Mandela was trying to help most is unacceptable on any standards. Listening to un-biased critics such as Desmond Tutu make a democracy great. Governing from a non-partisan, practical, smart position is best, if it is truly the people’s best interests you have at heart.

Now it is up to all of us left behind to continue this legacy, in South Africa and everywhere. Working together, however great our differences are IS possible. If South Africa could set aside its mammoth differences and emerge victorious there is hope for us all.