No Easy Walk to Freedom – Speeches, letters & transcripts

by Nelson Mandela (Kwela Books)

It is interesting that this book originally from 1965 should be reproduced at a time when Nelson Mandela is not only in the twilight of his globally revered life but also when the leadership of South Africa 2013 is being questioned so heavily and by so many.

In stark contrast to the ideals of Mandela and his gutsy generation which are highlighted in the 260-page paperback, essentially covering political equality and a better life for all, the current political set-up is being criticised for, among other things, fostering resource-extracting elites and generally taking the country backwards.

Respected political commentator, academic and author, William Gumede makes it extremely clear in the book’s new introduction, which precedes the original foreword by the late ANC leader Oliver Tambo, that South Africa is absolutely in danger of becoming a banana republic should the existing dispensation not be checked.

Attempts at curtailing freedom of speech and independence of the judiciary, no matter how cleverly disguised, are among the most distasteful and poisonous items on the political menu from The House of Jacob Zuma today and something for us all to worry about.

Mandela has mostly been seen as a frail man with a sensitive and forgiving touch since his release from prison and the country’s subsequent liberation in the 90s.

But the book reminds us of his sharp intellect, fiery passion and unwavering belief in equality for all citizens in a classless society where no group would exploit another, something for which he was willing to die.

Of course, his most famous quote is: “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people.

“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”