February 11, 2025, marks 35 years since Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison. His release on that historic day in 1990 marked the first stage of failure for apartheid and indicated a new chapter in South Africa’s history, that of hope, democracy, and reconciliation. When we reflect on Nelson Mandela’s legacy today, it is vital to assess how his vision for South Africa aligns with the country’s current realities.
Nelson Mandela’s release was not just a moment of national importance but a global event being hailed After spending 27 years behind bars for his role in fighting against apartheid, he emerged as a symbol of resilience, forgiveness, and leadership. The images of his raised fist as he exited the prison grounds are remembered by people worldwide. The subsequent negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the apartheid regime culminated in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, where Nelson Mandela was elected the nation’s first democratically elected president.
At the heart of Mandela’s presidency was the ideal of unity. In his inaugural address, he declared: “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.” His administration laid the foundation for a non-racial, democratic society, focusing on reconciliation rather than retribution.
Thirty-five years later, Mandela’s dream of a prosperous and united South Africa remains partially fulfilled. The nation has made undeniable progress, but significant challenges persist.
Despite being one of Africa’s most advanced economies, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies globally. The Gini coefficient, a statistical measure of inequality, typically used to measure income inequality within a country, has barely shifted since the end of apartheid. Thomas Piketty in 2015 as the 13th Annual Lecture speaker said “We are 25 years after the fall of apartheid, we are all puzzled by the fact that inequality is not only still very high in South Africa, but has been rising and, in some way, income inequality is even higher today than 20 years ago, which is extremely puzzling for all of us” While a growing Black middle class has emerged, the wealth gap between races remains stark. According to a 2022 report by Oxfam International, the richest 10% of South Africans own more than 85% of the country’s wealth, while over half the population lives below the poverty line.
Mandela’s ANC, once a liberation movement revered worldwide, has faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement in recent decades. The “State Capture” scandal during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure highlighted systemic corruption at the highest levels of government, eroding public trust. Although our current President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged reform, progress has been slow, and many citizens remain disillusioned.
Nelson Mandela envisioned a nation free from the divisions of its past. However, xenophobia, racial tensions, and sporadic and gender-based violence continue to plague South Africa. Protests over service delivery failures and unemployment are common, reflecting frustration with a government that has struggled to meet citizens’ expectations.
The born free generation see Nelson Mandela’s legacy as historical rather than personal because they were born after Apartheid was ended. These young people thus feel disconnected from the ideals of the liberation struggle era, focusing instead on issues such as access to quality education, jobs, and housing. The generational shift underscores the importance of translating Nelson Mandela’s legacy into tangible opportunities for future generations.
Mandela’s influence extends far beyond South Africa’s borders. His emphasis on forgiveness and dialogue continues to inspire. In a world grappling with increasing polarization, his ability to unify opposing factions offers lessons in leadership. Former U.S. President Barack Obama has frequently cited Mandela as a guiding influence, calling him “a man who took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice.”
Mandela’s legacy also serves as a reminder of the limits of one individual’s impact. He was already in his 70’s when he was released from prison and as celebrated as he was, systemic change requires sustained effort, effective governance, and public accountability, elements that have proven elusive in South Africa’s post-apartheid era.
As South Africa commemorates 35 years since Mandela’s release, the nation stands at a crossroads. The challenges of inequality, corruption, and disillusionment cannot be ignored. However, Mandela’s legacy provides a blueprint for regeneration by embracing the principles of accountability, inclusivity, and compassion. South Africa can honour these ideals while addressing present-day realities.
Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 was more than just a political milestone; it was a moment that reshaped global perceptions of justice and reconciliation. While South Africa’s journey remains fraught with challenges, the principles Mandela championed humility, equality, and unity continue to resonate. As the world reflects on his legacy 35 years later, his life serves as a call to action: to strive relentlessly for a fairer, more just society.
Sources
1. Oxfam International. (2022). Inequality Kills: The Unparalleled Wealth Divide in South Africa.
2. Mandela, N. (1994). Long Walk to Freedom.
3.Piketty, T. (2015).Nelson Mandela Annual lecture.
4. South African Government. (2020). Reconciliation in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A 30-Year Review.
5. Obama, B. (2018). Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture: Renewing the Mandate of Democracy.
6. Stats SA. (2023). Unemployment and Inequality Trends in South Africa.
7. Turok, B. (2019). South Africa Beyond the Transition: Challenges in Governance and Economy.