  Mandela urges Christians to help build a new Africa Delivers message of thanksgiving and hope  By Parker T. Williamson The Presbyterian Layman Thursday, December 17, 1998
Trim, informally dressed, and greeting the crowd with a characteristically broad smile, Mandela appeared the picture of health. It was not until two assistants helped him mount six steps onto the stage that his frailty showed. But once behind the podium, with a voice strong and clear, he left no doubt who was in command. This crowd was putty in his hands. Words of thanksgiving With not one hint of recrimination and no mention of his 27-year imprisonment on a rock pile in the Indian Ocean, Mandela greeted his audience with words of thanksgiving. He recognized Christian missionaries who brought education, health care, and hope to his people. He thanked the World Council of Churches for helping to end apartheid and for respecting "the judgment of the oppressed as to what were the most appropriate means for attaining their freedom." He expressed his gratitude to the church for supplying the "noble ideals and values of religion" that he said are now embodied in his country's Constitution. A chilling contrast There was a chilling contrast between Mandela's speech and Mugabe's message on the previous day. Mugabe berated past foes; Mandela welcomed the future. Mugabe ascribed blame; Mandela envisioned partnerships. Mugabe demanded retribution; Mandela invited development. Mugabe lamented the fall of socialism and the rise of capitalism. He spoke of turning the tables and taking land away from whites. Mandela envisioned business opportunities for all and spoke of encouraging investors to enter the country and help build the new South Africa. Mugabe represented a self-serving, one-party regime established and maintained by terrorists. Mandela expressed joy over the fact that there have been 40 democratic elections in Africa since 1990, and, with Mugabe sitting on the front row before him, he stated his hope that the people of this continent would "advance and entrench democracy, root out corruption and greed, and ensure respect for human rights." Looking to the future There was a sense of finality to Mandela's words, a message that he believes he has done what he can for this land that he has loved. "It is a great privilege for me, as my public life draws to a close, to be allowed to share these thoughts and dreams for a better world with you," he said. "It is as a peaceful and equitable world takes shape that I and the legions across the globe who dedicated their lives in striving for better life for all, will be able to retire in contentment and at peace." Then, in his final sentence, Mandela offered a summary of his speech. "I thank you," he said. |
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