Nelson Mandela's Place in South African Society: Some Critical Reflection on His Legacy

Modern South Africa has replaced the iron rule of the apartheid system with a constitutional democracy. This context of oppression and exploitation had a bearing on the kind of leaders produced by society. Conflict and exploitation formed part of the oppressive machinery in the country. At the end of the Second World War, South Africa experienced an unprecedented urbanisation which was followed by repressive laws. On the one hand, this led to the radicalisation of black politics in the country. The silencing of political voices after the Sharpeville massacre saw scores and scores of activists either in jail, under house arrest or in exile. Development in South Africa suffered a great blow with talented men and women who had to endure suffering in jail or exile. In other words, the cream of society was banished and South Africa as a society suffered materially and intellectually during this period. Nelson Mandela is one example of a leader from the oppressed section of society who was removed from society for over three decades. South African development would have reached a different level had the minority whites not reacted differently to urbanisation as a global phenomenon. The names of Luthuli, Tambo, Mandela and others continue to be invoked whenever the ruling party experiences challenges regarding leadership. Although these leaders cannot rule from their graves, it is their profound contribution to the development of the society that speaks about the legacy which is central to this study.