Saskatchewan mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela

Regina physician Dr. Mohamed Moolla has a personal connection to Mandela.

Moolla was a member of the African National Congress, the anti-segregationist group Mandela helped push towards militant action in its fight against the apartheid government. Moolla said met Mandela on a number of occasions.

“He spoke to us at very many meetings where he made us all come to tears about what he was wanting to see in a future democratic South Africa,” Moolla said.

But while Mandela was undoubtedly a powerful figure and a strong leader, Moolla said he was also just another person.

“He was a very humble human being, just like everybody else, and he did not demand any unusual respect,” Moolla explained after learning of Mandela's passing.

“But he earned that respect by being who he was.”

Moolla said his uncle was an associate of Mandela's and was even arrested alongside him 50 years ago. His uncle escaped and spent 26 years in exile while Mandela served his time in prison.

Coincidentally, Moolla had planned to go back to South Africa in a couple days. He hopes to be able to personally participate in some of the ceremonies to mark Mandela's passing.

Regina member of Parliament remembers his spirit

Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale says Mandela is a man who will never be forgotten.

Goodale had the “great fortune” to meet Mandela in person when he was Finance Minister.

He said he was also incredibly proud to watch when Mandela was made an honourary citizen of Canada on Parliament Hill.

“To be able to stand up in the face of probably one of the most profound evils that ever existed on the face of the earth, apartheid, and to be able to overcome that by sheer force of will…The kind of challenges that he overcame, the way that he did so without bitterness, without vindictiveness, it was a magnificent triumph of the human spirit,” Goodale said.

A South African teacher who learned from his example

Although the news of Mandela's death isn't entirely surprising due to his recent health problems it's still difficult for Roshni Thaver to accept.

“No matter how much you prepare yourself news like this, for a tremendous man like Nelson Mandela, isn't easy to take,” Thaver said after learning the news early Thursday evening.

The Regina teacher grew up in South Africa and remembers not being allowed to have any pictures or books showing Mandela or his messages. That's why it was so special when Thaver was able to return to South Africa with her family and meet Mandela.

“When you are allowed to meet such a great man, words cannot put into place the emotions that were running through my mind,” she said.

Thaver remembers the attention Mandela gave to her children. She said she was in awe of his humility.

“I just could not understand a man who spent 27 years suffering in prison would be able to forgive,” she said.

Thaver said she will remember Mandela for his struggle, his spirit of reconciliation and being the father of democracy for so many people.

A University of Saskatchewan professor's unique perspective on growing up during Mandela's presidency

University of Saskatchewan history professor Simonne Horwitz says while the world knew of Mandela’s failing health; it doesn’t make his death any easier.

“It wasn’t unforeseen but it really hit me that it was the end of an era. Just having his presence there, it was comforting in a lot of ways,” she said.

Barely 14 years old when Mandela was released from prison, Horwitz, 35, remembers the tumultuous early years of the anti-apartheid movement.

“I remember sitting with a friend, watching his release from prison and getting a sense that something was going to change,” she said.

Yet through it all, the then young middle class Caucasian Horwitz remembers Mandela’s calming effect.

“[In] middle class white South Africa, people were buying canned food and water bottles because everybody was concerned there was going to be a civil war and Mandela was just able to reassure people on all sides of the political spectrum in an incredible way,” Horwitz said.

Thinking back to the day she attended Mandela’s inauguration, Horwitz hopes the nation doesn’t let the former leader’s goal fall to the wayside.

“I hope that his message and the message of reconciliation and social ‘upliftment’ is really taken by people in South Africa and carried forward,” Horwitz said.

“That he becomes an icon; not one that is living in South Africa but one that can be seen as epitomizing what we should be working towards.”

A legacy the world won't forget

Meanwhile, another University of Saskatchewan professor says that as the world mourns Mandela’s passing, the global community shouldn’t fear a return of segregation and racism.

“I don’t think the country will be wracked by violence, insurrection or instability. I think quite the opposite. People will want to maintain peace and stability in honour of Mandela,” African politics professor Jeffrey Steeves said, adding that even current President Jacob Zuma is unlikely to veer off the path Mandela began.

“I think Zuma will embrace Mandela’s legacy and remind South Africans that this icon is still with them in spirit.”

Steeves said the digital age will also play a role in maintaining the memory. Videos and audio recordings of Mandela provide a concrete link to the past.

“There’s a sense in which history can play out on the internet. That will keep his memory alive,” Steeves said.

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by paNOW Staff

Saskatchewan mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela

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