Nelson Mandela – in Memoriam
William Loader
A candle snuffed, discarded on an island of refuse, a spark
of hope destroyed, danger averted, security restored and the continuity of
white South Africa sustained.
But hope would not die, the people’s cry not be
silenced, chaos not robbed of its creative potential.
Amid the confusion, the
compromises and sometimes clarity of politicians, hope resurrected and Nelson marched
the streets again to acclamation.
The world of jerkies and trekkers awoke to
new possibilities with fear and apprehension, but also hope.
The great shrine of rugby was erected, the World Cup
preliminaries played, and then the final, All Blacks v. South Africa.
I watched
from afar as the contest stretched into extra time and a dropped goal clinched
victory for the home side.
There onto the field clad in a Springboks jumper
strode Nelson Mandela, a sight that brought me to tears.
Not my team’s loss but
this sacred moment of boundary crossing, this entering of what for some was the
bastion of apartheid overwhelmed my spirit.
Yes, green jumpers knelt in piety
as they might always have done after such a win or so it seemed. I knew their religion.
As a boy
I heard them preach in days where piety including theirs made no connection
with justice and my gospel, too, had no good news for the poor.
Something much
more sacred, more holy and whole, was happening here.
I still weep each time I hear
the African national anthem (Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika). For there was lit a candle of hope that showed the
way to reconciliation, community and justice.
His candle has now worn down its melted wax to merge with
the earth and the destiny of us all, but his light of hope will never be
extinguished, illuminating paths ahead, exposing the subversions of greed and
violence, inviting us to embrace the unknown with hope.
I weep again.
Thank you, Nelson Mandela.