Nelson Mandela’s passing should be solemn not circus

I hope he will be remembered for the great things he accomplished, and not for the circus his last days have become

drum.co.za

The headlines about former South African President Nelson Mandela range from the respectful to the lurid:

• Nelson Mandela on life support, court documents show – USA Today
• Source: Nelson Mandela on dialysis, but responsive – CNN
• Nelson Mandela’s wife: ‘Although uncomfortable, he is fine’ – BBC
• Nelson Mandela on life support and facing ‘impending death’: court documents – AP
• Nelson Mandela still critical but stable and receiving ‘best care’, says Zuma – FM.co.za
• South Africa presidency denies Mandela in “permanent vegetative state” – CBS/AP
• Nelson Mandela’s family advised to take him off life support, court records say – New York Daily News

The list goes on and on.

Sadly his last days are being marked by family feuding and media vultures

Of course it’s understandable that the world is interested in the condition of Mandela, and sadly when it comes to a death-watch, if it hasn’t already, no doubt many will be tuned-in. Some for truly emotional and respectful reasons, others out of a ghoulish curiosity. This man is seen as a hero by many, and rightly so, but he is still very much a mortal being. It is a shame that the Mandela family seems to be dissolving into petty factions right before the eyes of the world as international media focus on Nelson Mandela.

Some for truly emotional and respectful reasons, others out of a ghoulish curiosity

This man, who survived unimaginable hardships as a Black person in apartheid-ruled South Africa, as an activist and later during his imprisonment on Robben Island, always showed the world his class and a sense of calm. Was this a facade? Probably, as I mentioned, he is a mere mortal and as such is fallible. But his public persona was always one of diplomacy.

 But his public persona was always one of diplomacy

Sadly his last days are being marked by family feuding and media vultures who make certain the world hears about any lurid stories. When he passes away, and the official mourning and hoopla are over, I hope he will be remembered for the great things he accomplished, and not for the circus his last days have become.