Suddenly in April 1994 the same fire-eaters who had mastered the art of resistance, and who had worked relentlessly for the total destruction of white supremacy, without any previous training and experience in governance, were entrusted with the awesome task of governing the most advanced and wealthy country on the African continent.
The unprecedented challenge was to restore the human dignity of all our people by removing all forms of racial discrimination, introducing the principle of equality in every sphere of our lives.
.....................................................................................
Mandela’s notes from his first session of parliament as president of South Africa, 25 May 1994.
This was the momentous challenge facing our pioneers in democratic government. This was the major rubicon to cross for the former freedom fighters who had preached ungovernability, boycott and sanctions. Now the former terrorist had the task of uniting South Africa, of implementing the core principle of the Freedom Charter which declares that South Africa belongs to all its people, black and white.
51. FROM THE UNPUBLISHED SEQUEL TO HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Good leaders fully appreciate that the removal of tensions in society, of whatever nature, puts creative thinkers on centre stage by creating an ideal environment for men and women of vision to influence society. Extremists, on the other hand, thrive on tension and mutual suspicion. Clear thinking and good planning was never their weapon.
52. FROM THE UNPUBLISHED SEQUEL TO HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY
The apartheid regime had put law and order in disrepute. The human rights of the majority of the population were ruthlessly suppressed, there was detention without trial, torture and murder of political activists, open criticism of the Appeal Court judges who were independent and gave judgement against the regime, and the packing of the judiciary with conservative lawyers. The police, especially the Security Branch, were [a] law unto themselves. Because of this crude practice, and out of my own convictions, I exploited every opportunity to promote respect for the law and the judiciary… in the new SA there is nobody, not even the President, [who] is above the law… the rule of law generally and in particular the judiciary should be respected.
53. FROM A PERSONAL FILE
The President and two Deputy-Presidents, the Ministers of Defence and of Safety and Security, Generals Georg Meiring and Van der Merwe should be briefed by the National Intelligence Service at the earliest possible convenience on the following issues.
1) Were any documents containing intelligence material destroyed or intelligence information wiped off from computers during the period 1 February 1990 and 31 May 1994?
a) If so, what [were] the… full particulars of such material or information
b) The dates of such destruction or wiping off
c) The name or names of the persons who authorized such destruction or wiping off.
2) Does the State Security Council and its structures, like the Joint Management Committees, still exist?
a) If so, who are the members of such State Security Council and Joint Management Committees?
b) If not the exact details of when they were dismantled
c) A list of members before they were dismantled
d) The purpose of the State Security Council
e) What happened to its funds and equipment
3) A list of the organisations on which a list of the agents… who penetrated organisations or institutions spied upon.
4) Does the Civilian Cooperation Bureau still exist? A detailed explanation of its structure and personnel must be furnished.
a) If not, when was it dismantled?
What happened to its funds and other equipment?
5) Does the Directorate of Covert Collection still exist?
a) If so, who are its members?
b) It not, when was it dissolved?
c) What happened to its funds and equipment
6) The original copy of the Report of General Pierre Steyn must be supplied.
a) Precisely for what criminal acts were several senior officers of the army dismissed or asked to resign as a result of that report?
Who is responsible for politically motivated violence which has led to the murder of close to 20,000 people?
Is it alleged that the parties responsible for politically motivated violence were also responsible for the death of freedom fighters like Neil Aggett, [Rick] Turner, Imam Haroon, Ahmed Timol, David Webster, [Matthew] Goniwe and others, Griffiths and Victoria Mxenge; Pebco 3; Bheki Mlangeni
7) Does the Vlakplaas Unit continue to exist20 Who were its members and [what] has happened to them. What was or is its purpose before, if it continued [or] dismantled what happened to its funds and equipment.
8) Detailed information on the operations of hit squads in the country. Is this correct? What were they paid according to Goldstone Report members of the V [Vlakplaas] Unit
54. FROM A NOTEBOOK
Mood of confidence and hope (Middelburg)
Various sources have made encouraging assessment of the performance of govt.
Review of 1995 and outlook for 1996 positive – media
Hope for future continues to be the dominant mood.
Completed or completing process of planning and visible delivery and speeding up change.
Transformed local govt where people are governed
Business confidence grown – SA started experience a net out-flow of capital in 1985; Continued for period of 9½ years up to 1994 –
R51,7 billion left the country.
Situation changed dramatically after 10 May 1994. Net capital inflow experienced –
From middle of 1994 to end of 1995 net capital inflow estimated at R30 billion.
By end of 1995 Reserve Bank had repaid all its short term foreign loans.
Public confidence growing
63% = 66%
Breaking into areas once far beyond reach
55. FROM A PERSONAL FILE, c.1996
Trail of blood in Tvl since July 1990 or 1991
Sebokeng ±32
Krugersdorp – 36
Sebokeng – 200
Soweto and JHB – 45 + 9
Meeting with De Klerk over Sebokeng 1990 –
He never issued any condolence.
No arrest. 800,000
56. FROM A NOTEBOOK
1) Phone Ted
2) Kofi Annan
3) Jakes Gerwel 21
4) Oprah Winfrey
5) Elastic socks
57. FROM A PERSONAL FILE
Mum Gra’s [Graça Machel] worldwide travels have been a source of concern to me for some time now, and it will be a real relief when her contract with Unicef expires at the end of the year, when she will be able to devote her outstanding abilities to the people, especially the children of Mozambique.
She returned to SA [South Africa]… on /8/96 where she and her colleagues were finalizing their report to the UNO [United Nations Organization].22She lived with us, as usual, until 8/96 when she left for Mozambique. I cannot describe my joy and happiness to receive the love and warmth of such a humble but gracious and brilliant lady.
But modern inventions enable us to remain in contact even when she is abroad. It gives me unbelievable comfort and satisfaction to know that there [is] somebody somewhere in the universe on whom I can rely especially on matters where my political comrades cannot provide me.
58. FROM A PERSONAL FILE
As usual after 9 pm granddaughter Rochelle sits on my bed after giving me my eye treatment. I expect a few kind words from her before she kisses me ‘goodnight’. Instead she drops a bomb. ‘Granddad’ she says ‘I must give you a report which will leave [you] completely devastated. It is not the type of thing you expect from me… as a result I will leave home immediately and settle elsewhere. You have always stressed the importance of education generally and specifically with regard to myself and the Thembu Royal House, whose performance in this regard has always been less than mediocre. You h
ave given me full support in this regard. You will always be in my thoughts Grandpa. But I am leaving home to settle elsewhere.’ Although courteous throughout, she spoke fearlessly and clearly.
I was stunned and could not believe it was my own grandchild who was tearing my heart apart. She has always been most meticulous in looking after me, taking off my shoes and socks before I retired to bed, telling me beautiful stories, enquiring what time I wanted my breakfast the following morning.
59. FROM A PERSONAL FILE – DRAFT NOTES ON ST VALENTINE’S DAY IN ANSWER TO A SCHOOLGIRL’S ENQUIRY INTO WHAT THE DAY MEANS TO HIM
Age and a conservative cultural background do not make it easy for me to discuss in public such intimate feelings or emotions. This is specially the case when the question is asked by one young enough to be a grandchild. It might well be that if one attempted a definition which departs from that which appears in the standard dictionaries, and bearing in mind the main forms of civilization of the world, they may be as many definitions as there are human beings.
I would hope that the average individual experiences one of the highest levels of emotional attachments satisfaction and happiness when in love…
It will probably shock many people to discover how colossally ignorant I am about simple things the ordinary person takes for granted. Having been born and grown up in a rural environment with parents who could neither read nor write, one hardly ever heard about Valentine’s Day.
Moving to the cities one was gradually drawn into mainstream politics, and there was little room for upgrading oneself with information on such issues. Only during the last five years did I receive Valentines cards and gifts. But one must naturally develop enormous respect for those who bring happiness to others anonymously far from the limelight.
Unfortunately my tight programme does not allow me to find time to celebrate Valentine’s Day either today or in the future.
Many of today’s younger generation are independent and clear thinkers with their own set of values. It would be… most presumptious for a man of 78 to advise them on how to handle relationships. Moreover, this is not a question of [advice] but of social conditions. Give the younger generation opportunities for education and better their lives, they will glitter with excellence.
I would think that people who subscribe to the same values, who share a common vision and who accept each others’ integrity have laid a basis for a good relationship. But to this there will be a wide range of notable exceptions.
60. FROM A NOTEBOOK, c.1996 ABOUT PLANS TO DEVELOP ROBBEN ISLAND INTO A MUSEUM
Robben Island
Dpt [Department] of Art, Culture etc
Independent structure
Beyond range of ordinary
Human desire to exploit
Tourists destruction
Museum must be a source of
Inspiration not money
Special Board of Trustees
61. FROM A NOTEBOOK
1.
Engagement elsewhere: wish well
2.
Ireland has been in limelight throughout its history
3.
Never difficult to identify who started trouble. But we soon reach stage where neither party is altogether wrong or right.
4.
Indictment of Irish leaders that they are not capable of solving their own affairs.
62. FROM A PRESIDENTIAL DIARY
Monday 29.12.97: Left Qunu for C.T. [Cape Town] but cancelled attendance to Franklin Sonn’s daughter’s wedding because of severe sciatica attack on right leg.23
30.12.97: bridal couple instead of arriving at 7 am for breakfast as arranged only came at 8.45 am. Their photographer from Rapport [newspaper] had to leave. Spanish couple left Ysterplaat [Air Force Base] at 10 am reaching Maputo at 12.15. Stayed at the nearest Govt [Government] Guest House to Gra’s [Graça Machel’s] residence.
31.12.97: Remained upstairs immobilized by severe sciatica. Visited by Comrade Presid[ent]. Joachim Chissano and informs me of the house arrest of K.K. [Kenneth Kaunda] and conditions of house arrest.24
Had dinner with Gra, and chdn [children] and watched passing of the old year and fire display from Polana Hotel.
1.1.98: Could not make family lunch and had to have lunch with Zina in my private quarters. Wished Zindzi and Rochelle Happy New Year. Theron and physiotherapist
2.1.98: P.M. M
1.1.98: Nothing special – refused to return to S.Q.
4.1.98: H.C. [high commissioner] came Dr Hugo, Theron have lunch with Gra. Gave me 2 injections and returned
5.1.98: Argument with Judy, Gra over WM [Winnie Mandela]. I said I do not want to have relationship in which there are certain areas in which we cannot share. She’s part of your history.
6.1.98: H.C. in Moz [Mozambique] wants another 4 yr contract.
7.1.98: Met for 15 minutes my friend Jeremy Anderson, former Parks Director of the Mpumalanga Game Reserves. Congratulate Arap Moi on his inauguration as President of Kenya.
Telephoned Chief Antonio Fernandez from Maputo to Washington to wish him Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He points out that he has attempted to contact me several times from Washington, but was unable to reach me. It sometimes pains me when dependable friends who have shared resources with us when we were all alone in our fight against apartheid, but who are regarded by the staff as mere strangers bent on disturbing the President.
19.1.98: Called on 9th floor Shell House and was informed that security was against my occupying an office on this floor and recommended that I go back to 10th floor.25 I flatly turned down their recommendation. Secretary-General Kgalema [Motlanthe] agreed with me.26 Also had a discussion with outgoing acting S.G [Secretary General] Cheryl Carolus on the above matter when I explained that I will attend.27
22.1.98: King Letsie III and I, in the presence of President Masire of Botswana launch the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. But had to leave without taking lunch because of weather conditions.
23.1.98: Visited the Acting Queen of Western Pondoland and the Queen Mother to pay my respects, arranged with Colleen Ross to admit future King Ndamase Mangaliso to Kearnsley College.28
24.1.98: Inspected Mr Zeka’s house which is on sale for R950,000. and asked for details of the bond.
24.1.98: Met Chief Bangilizwe, Dalaguba, Zwelodumo, Chief Sandile Mgudlwa, Chief Khawudle, Chief Silimela, and Chief Mnqanqeni.
24.1.98: Instructed Georg Meiring to dispatch helicopter to Tanzania.
24.1.98: Lunch with King Buyelekhaya and the Queen.29
24.1.98: Took call from President Clinton
25.1.98: Took call from President Museveni
63. FROM A NOTEBOOK
I was somewhat uncomfortable about the festivities at Qunu on New Year’s Day. On Christmas Day we had more than 1 000 children from the surrounding villages and about 100 adults. We had slaughtered 11 sheep, one of which was donated by Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, King of the T[h]embus and an ox from Zwelithini ka Zulu, King of the Zulus. The crowd was in a joyful mood and they ate all the meat except the skin and horns.
On previous occasions my guests on New Year are normally less than those at Christmas. But on this occasion I had slaughtered only 12 sheep in the belief that this would be more than enough. You can imagine my discomfort when more people than at Christmas [arrived] and when some children who had walked kilometres to Qunu complained that they had not eaten. Next time I will not be caught unprepared.
Visited by Thandizulu Sigcau, King of the Pondos. In accordance with custom, I slaughtered a sheep for him, and gave him a second provision. He was not altogether in agreement with the suggestion made by his brother, Vulindlela Ndamase, King of Western Pondoland, to the effect that the King[s] should be members of the House of Traditional Leaders in their respective areas. I then suggested that I would prefer to be guided by them on the topic. I proposed they should meet to take a common position.
Also visited by Queen Cleopatra Dalindyebo, in the company of Chief Nokwale Balizulu, the rul
ing chief over our area. Drunkenness amongst Thembu Chiefs.
64. FROM A NOTEBOOK
How far are we in developing common data base Checking corruption Qualification of analysts Many illegal flights Travelling abroad on regular basis
65. FROM A NOTEBOOK
1.
We pass through this world but once and opportunities you miss will never be available to you again.
2.
Fix your aims and objects in life and, as a general rule, as far as possible never deviate from it.
3.
The ANC [African National Congress] understood this principle very well.
4.
In early 50s already we invited all S.As [South Africans] to send demands for a people’s charter.
5.
We also invited leaders of all political parties of that day to join us in preparing for a Congress of the People. NP [National Party], Liberal Party.
6.
Adopted basic policy – Freedom Charter which proclaimed that SA belongs to all of us.
7.
1961 called for Convention of the People.
8.
1984 ANC approached President Botha – meeting between ANC and NP.
Overthrow of white supremacy the work of the liberation movement – ANC, PAC, Azapo [Azanian People’s Organisation] in varying degrees.30 Transformation also collective effort.
9.
Initiative of ANC has changed situation. Polecat to a miracle
Conversations with Myself Page 25
