In about 1989 I saw a brief mention in a newspaper that Nelson Mandela had been in prison for 20 years. It was a great shock. At the time of his arrest and imprisonment many of us were outraged. By 1989 I had completely forgotten about him. It was a shock to realize that after so much had occurred in my life this man was still in prison.

There has been a great deal of positive coverage of Nelson Mandela today, but one of his most astonishing and wise and brilliant accomplishments fails to be mentioned so far. I am referring to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was absolutely key to the peaceful transition in South Africa from apartheid to democracy.

Mandela said words to the effect of “The full, indisputable truth is far more important than hunting down and punishing the guilty.” He felt it was important to document the excesses of the apartheid regime, so that future generations could not minimize or deny them. This was more important than punishment of the guilty.

The commission invited people to testify and confess crimes against humanity in open court, offering full immunity and forgiveness to all who spoke. Scores of people came out to testify, because this granted them immunity from prosecution, and also the confession process gave them some spiritual peace.

Astonishing admissions were made and documented. Police admitted to arming gangs with long knives and instructing them to carry out mass murder on trains, to foster inter-tribal friction, so as to divide and rule. This is but one example. Witnesses wept openly on the stand.

This process brought the country together in an unprecedented way, and one hopes that other nations that undergo major change can learn from this experience. I used to believe that in South Africa there was the unstoppable force acting on the immovable object, and that eventually this would result in a massive explosion and bloodbath. Nelson Mandela managed to avert this.

After 27 years of imprisonment, you would not blame him for being resentful, full of hatred for his oppressors and wanting revenge. Instead, he radiated supreme goodwill and forgiveness. He was one of the wisest people in human history.

Plus, he had a sense of humor and loved to dance! What a man we have lost.

Gabe Lewin
Davis

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