Well, it seemed a good idea at the time
20 May 2013 03:48 (South Africa)
South Africa
Madiba week: The lessons his sacrifice taught us, part V
  • Jay Naidoo
  • South Africa
mandela

In the final instalment this series of five videos, Mr Mandela speaks about how the struggle gained momentum despite his and his comrades' imprisonment. He recounts with humour how it was expected that he would leave prison in a short while, but that he ended up spending 27 years behind bars instead. Video courtesy of JAY NAIDOO.

Despite the isolation and the difficulty he faced in prison, he epitomises the forgiving spirit that was to mark his presidency. His foremost desire was to shake the hands of the warders that had been charged with looking after him, a reconciliatory spirit that we need to return to desperately. DM

Watch the video

These are extracts from conversations with prominent leaders, recorded by the VNS/AFRAVISION video collective. This series was made possible by J&J Development Trust and the Emma Mashinini Foundation. 

  • Jay Naidoo
  • South Africa


Comments
Our policy dictates first names and surnames must be used to comment on articles. Failure to do so will see them removed. Read the policy here

blog comments powered by Disqus