Catch-up reading after last week’s best-yet BNC#3 contained the shock that after initially condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, SA’s leaders are now aligning us with autocrat-run states who refused to sanction Putin at the United Nations. Blessed by its people, SA remains cursed by its governors.
At BNC#3 we were treated with insights from Rory Steyn, Nelson Mandela’s bodyguard for the five years of his presidency. Among Steyn’s tasks was dealing with Madiba’s protocol-destroying approach whenever he saw children: simply ignoring the security detail, heading for the kids to sing and dance with them.
Being Mandela’s professional observer gave Rory Steyn a unique perspective on SA’s icon. So yesterday I asked what Madiba would have made of the Ukraine invasion and would an SA under his presidency have voted with the vast majority at the UN and condemn Russia or, as Ramaphosa’s ANC has done, abstain?
“No Alec,” Steyn responded, ” in my opinion he would have spoken out. Just like he did on (US president) Bush over invading Iraq. I think he would have been consistent. That’s how I knew him.” Seems Rob Hersov was right at BNC#2, saying Mandela wouldn’t vote for today’s ANC. After its latest move, would you?
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